Controls Engineer – Automotive Manufacturing
Location: Tonawanda, NY
Additional Information
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
- No sponsorship available
- No C2C / third-party submissions accepted
We are seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to support high-volume automotive manufacturing operations in a fast-paced production environment. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in troubleshooting, automation, and continuous improvement while working closely with maintenance, production, and engineering teams.
This position offers the opportunity to work with advanced automation systems, robotics, PLC programming, motion controls, and industrial networks supporting critical manufacturing operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot and support plant automation and controls systems in a high-pressure manufacturing environment
- Program, modify, and maintain Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC systems
- Diagnose electrical, controls, and automation-related equipment issues to minimize downtime
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and machine control circuits
- Support robotics, servo systems, motion controls, VFDs, and industrial networking systems
- Coordinate work with maintenance trades, contractors, suppliers, and manufacturing engineering teams
- Support controls improvements, equipment launches, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Assist with automation vision systems and related programming activities
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years of Allen-Bradley Rockwell PLC programming experience (RSLogix 5000 and/or Studio 5000)
- Minimum 2 years of Siemens PLC programming experience (TIA Portal / S7)
- Minimum 2 years of Ladder Logic programming experience
- Ability to troubleshoot electrical schematics and machine control circuits
- Experience troubleshooting automation equipment breakdowns in a manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of Ethernet/IP industrial networks
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills in high-volume manufacturing
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally across operations and engineering teams
- Ability to take ownership of projects, scheduling, and coordination activities
Preferred Qualifications
- Fanuc robot programming experience
- Automotive manufacturing, vehicle assembly, or industrial automation experience
- Experience with servo drives, motion control systems, and VFD programming
- Vision systems experience, preferably Matrox
- Experience supporting uptime-critical production equipment
Education
- High school diploma/GED with significant applicable controls experience will be considered
- Recent graduates from Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or Engineering Technology programs are encouraged to apply if they have relevant co-op or internship experience