Senior Controls Engineer - Vertical Integration

Woodward L'Orange•Zeeland, MI

18d

About The Position

Woodward is seeking a Senior-level Controls Engineer to support vertical integration initiatives and integrate automation across manufacturing teams, primarily alongside CNC equipment. The role develops and supports control system solutions that improve process efficiency, data visibility, and system integration. The engineer works with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities, connect equipment and systems, and enable closed-loop feedback in support of lights-out manufacturing. The position develops and implements medium- to high-complexity control systems, contributes to commissioning, and leads medium-sized controls projects. It also provides production and development troubleshooting, creates controls documentation, and designs and integrates automation and safety systems. The engineer applies advanced problem-solving, data analysis, networking, programming, and controls tools to improve productivity, cycle time, and equipment utilization, while providing guidance to entry-level engineers and interns. This position requires use of information subject to ITAR and/or EAR. Applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by those regulations or eligible to obtain all required authorizations.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree (four-year bachelor's degree).
At least 4 years of equivalent experience.
Advanced understanding of mechatronics theory and its application to moderately complex systems.
Proficiency with industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, PROFINET, and Ethernet/IP, and network components such as switches and VLANs.
Advanced proficiency with controls engineering tools and hardware, including PLC programming, HMI/SCADA, motion controllers, torque drivers, vision systems, and edge devices.
Advanced understanding of data analysis methods, including statistical analysis, correlation, and trend identification.
Ability to apply advanced problem-solving methods, such as Design of Experiments (DOE) or Six Sigma tools.
Ability to develop and optimize programs and implement robust data-management practices.
Applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement medium- to high-complexity control systems in line with industry standards and best practices.
Participate in system commissioning and ensure designs meet project requirements.
Lead medium-sized controls projects, including risk assessments, process improvements, and resource coordination.
Analyze and resolve moderately complex control system issues in production and development.
Create and refine complex controls system documentation, including diagrams, manuals, and reports.
Design and implement moderately complex automation and safety systems, ensuring safety standards are met and integrated into control systems.
Collaborate across functions to identify automation opportunities, connect equipment and systems, and support closed-loop feedback for lights-out manufacturing.
Use control technologies, automation, and system data to improve productivity, cycle time, and equipment utilization.
Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies into moderately complex or small-scale projects.
Implement industrial communication protocols and configure network components to support reliable data exchange.
Develop and optimize programs for automation, data processing, and analytics, ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and security.
Present ideas and recommendations to leadership and facilitate collaboration across departments.
Provide guidance and constructive feedback to entry-level engineers and interns.