Production Engineer (Controls focused)

JTEKT North America•Piedmont, SC

68d

About The Position

JTEKT North America is hiring a Production Engineer with a controls focus to design, program, optimize, and support advanced automation systems for high-volume, 24/7 production lines. The role works with Mitsubishi and Allen-Bradley PLCs, Fanuc robotics and PMC platforms, Keyence vision and laser systems, and PLC/SCADA/HMI technology. It supports the expansion of the Piedmont plant, including new machines and automation systems, and contributes to equipment launches, new product introductions, process improvements, and production reliability. The engineer collaborates with Process Engineering, Quality, Corporate PE, maintenance, and production teams to deploy automation cells, troubleshoot equipment, improve manufacturing processes, and meet production and quality standards. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. It involves working the assigned shift, overtime as needed, and regular exposure to manufacturing areas requiring personal protective equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Electrical, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field) and/or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
At least 3 years of experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing; automotive experience is preferred.
At least 3 years of experience in electrical and controls design for automated equipment, including controls software development, implementation, and troubleshooting.
Proficiency in PLC/HMI programming with Mitsubishi and Allen-Bradley platforms and in SCADA systems for high-volume automation.
Strong problem-solving skills for automated-equipment troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
Ability to read and develop electrical schematics and troubleshoot complex control systems.
Experience in controls software development, implementation, and debugging.
Ability to collaborate cross-functionally, manage capital projects, and use data analytics tools such as OEE and SPC.
Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, TPS, IATF 16949, and engineering documentation standards.
Commitment to safety and 5S.
Ability to perform standing, bending, pushing, pulling, reaching above and below the shoulders, repetitive side-to-side movement, grasping, and fine finger dexterity throughout the shift.
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. during the shift, as required.
Vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Use of personal protective equipment, including steel-toed shoes and safety glasses with side shields, in manufacturing areas.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Fanuc robotics, Keyence vision systems, and laser marking integration is preferred.
Forklift, walkie stacker, and/or scissor lift experience.

Responsibilities

Architect and program PLC, SCADA, and HMI systems for high-volume production lines using Mitsubishi, Allen-Bradley, and Fanuc PMC platforms.
Integrate and support Fanuc robotics and Keyence vision and laser systems for automated inspection and traceability.
Collaborate with Process Engineering, Quality, and Corporate PE teams to deploy turnkey automation cells and support new product launches.
Lead root-cause analyses to resolve technical issues and reduce unplanned downtime.
Use OEE, SPC, and other analytics tools to improve quality and efficiency.
Design and develop tooling, fixtures, and gauging for robust, repeatable manufacturing processes.
Analyze and optimize processes to improve quality, reduce costs, and shorten cycle times.
Update and manage engineering documentation and implement process changes in support of APQP and PPAP.
Commission and validate new equipment to production and quality standards, and evaluate and adjust spare-parts strategies.
Conduct equipment capability studies, develop PFMEAs, and manage capital equipment purchases.
Generate engineering reports and lead projects related to process changes and new product introductions.
Support 5S and safety initiatives.
Mentor and assist maintenance and production teams with troubleshooting and long-term system reliability.
Take on additional responsibilities and other duties as assigned by management.
Work overtime as needed to support production schedules, equipment launches, or urgent troubleshooting.