Principal Controls Engineer, Manufacturing Automation (Onsite)

RTX•Wells, ME

5d•$107,500 - $204,500•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Controls Engineer, Manufacturing Automation to design, develop, program, deploy, and support advanced automation equipment used in aerospace manufacturing. This is a hands-on engineering role with significant responsibility for taking automation concepts from initial identification and development through commissioning and production deployment. The Principal Controls Engineer, Manufacturing Automation will bring controls engineering fundamentals and demonstrated proficiency in industrial robotic programming, along with experience integrating robots, PLCs, motion systems, safety systems, sensors, and other industrial automation technologies. The Principal Controls Engineer, Manufacturing Automation will support both new automation projects and existing production systems, working closely with mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, technicians, and production personnel to deliver reliable, capable, and maintainable equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline
Demonstrated experience in industrial automation and controls engineering
Proficiency in industrial robotic programming and integration with demonstrated ability to independently develop and troubleshoot robot applications
Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC-based control systems
Experience with industrial robots from one or more major platforms such as FANUC, ABB, or similar
Understanding of PLCs, HMIs, industrial networks, motion control, servo systems, machine safety, sensors, and industrial electrical systems
Demonstrated experience reading and interpreting electrical schematics and controls documentation
Experience taking an automation system from concept through development, commissioning, and production deployment
Experience diagnosing complex hardware and software issues in a manufacturing environment
Hold a current U.S. government-issued Secret Clearance OR be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued Secret Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Experience with machine vision, data collection, MES/SCADA, or advanced manufacturing systems
Experience developing reusable controls software, programming standards, and automation libraries
Advanced industrial robot programming and offline programming.
PLC programming with platforms such as Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar
Servo and multi-axis motion control
Machine vision and robotic vision integration
Industrial Ethernet and device communications
Functional machine safety and safety PLCs
Automated material handling and robotic manufacturing processes
CNC, machining, assembly, inspection, or other aerospace manufacturing automation
Controls system architecture and electrical panel design

Responsibilities

Identify opportunities for automation and develop controls solutions that improve manufacturing capability, quality, safety, throughput, and cost
Lead the controls portion of new automation projects from concept and system architecture through programming, integration, commissioning, and production deployment; develop and maintain PLC programs, HMI applications, motion-control systems, safety systems, and machine-control architectures
Program, integrate, troubleshoot, and optimize industrial robots for aerospace manufacturing applications; develop robotic programs, routines, sequencing, tool paths, I/O integration, and robot-to-machine communications
Integrate robots with PLCs, vision systems, servo/motion systems, tooling, sensors, safety devices, and other automation equipment.
Develop machine sequences, state logic, interlocks, fault handling, diagnostics, and operator interfaces
Commission new automation equipment and troubleshoot systems during development, installation, and production ramp-up; provide technical support for existing automated manufacturing systems, including troubleshooting controls, robotics, electrical, and software issues
Diagnose and resolve complex equipment problems with a methodical, hands-on approach; improve existing automation systems through controls upgrades, cycle-time improvements, reliability improvements, and capability enhancements
Develop electrical/control system documentation, software standards, backups, and other technical documentation; work collaboratively with manufacturing engineers to ensure controls solutions effectively support the overall machine and manufacturing process
Support equipment installation, startup, validation, and acceptance at internal and customer locations as required; establish and maintain programming and controls standards to improve consistency, reliability, and maintainability across automation systems
Stay current with emerging robotics, controls, and automation technologies and identify opportunities to apply them within aerospace manufacturing; provide technical guidance and support to controls technicians and other engineering personnel
Travel periodically for equipment installation, commissioning, and customer support