Senior Controls Engineer - Vertical Integration
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 includes developing and implementing medium- to high-complexity control systems, leading medium-sized controls projects, supporting production and development troubleshooting, creating technical documentation, and designing automation and safety systems. It also involves applying data analysis and process-improvement methods, integrating industrial communication networks and emerging technologies, and mentoring entry-level engineers and interns. The position requires a four-year bachelor's degree and 4+ years of equivalent experience. Work involves information subject to ITAR and/or EAR. Applicants must be U.S. Persons under those regulations or eligible to obtain required authorizations.
Requirements
- Four-year bachelor's degree (BS) and 4+ years of equivalent experience.
- Advanced understanding of mechatronics theory and the interaction of mechanical components, electrical systems, and control logic.
- Experience developing and optimizing programs for automation, data processing, or analytics, and implementing robust data-management practices.
- Proficiency with industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, PROFINET, and Ethernet/IP, and configuring network components such as switches and VLANs.
- Advanced understanding of data analysis methods, including statistical analysis, correlation, and trend identification.
- Advanced proficiency with controls engineering tools and hardware, including PLC programming, HMI/SCADA, motion controllers, torque drivers, vision systems, and edge devices.
- Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations, because the position involves regulated information.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of or experience applying DOE or Six Sigma tools.
- Experience mentoring entry-level engineers and interns.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement medium- to high-complexity control systems in accordance 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 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.
- Use problem-solving methods such as DOE or Six Sigma tools to address production challenges.
- Present ideas and recommendations to leadership and facilitate collaboration across departments.
- Guide entry-level engineers and interns on projects and problem-solving approaches, and provide constructive feedback.
- Develop and optimize programs for system automation, data processing, and analytics; apply practices that support data accuracy, consistency, and security.
- Identify and implement process improvements using control technologies, automation, and system data to improve productivity, cycle time, and equipment utilization.
- Evaluate, integrate, and optimize emerging technologies for controls systems.
- Implement industrial communication protocols and configure network components to support reliable data exchange.
- Apply data analysis, including statistical analysis, correlation, and trend identification, to inform decisions and optimize control systems.
- Use controls engineering tools and hardware, including PLCs, HMI/SCADA, motion controllers, torque drivers, vision systems, and edge devices.
Benefits
- Annual cash bonus opportunity
- 401(k) match (4.5%)
- Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Training and professional development opportunities
- 12 paid holidays
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance upon date of hire
- Vacation, sick time, vacation buy-up, short-term disability, and bereavement leave
- Paid parental leave
- Adoption assistance
- Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits
- Member Life & AD&D and Long Term Disability
- Member Optional Life
- Member referral bonus
- Spouse/Child Optional Life and Optional AD&D
- Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
- Home and auto insurance discounts
- Whole Life Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Legal Assistance
- Military Leave
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
