Junior Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Normal, IL

We are on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract. As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions, and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

The Contract Controls Engineer (External Specialized Resource) is responsible for owning advanced automation, networking, robotics, and system-recovery blocks within our manufacturing environment. Sourced via specialized automation engineering agencies  this position operates on an initial 12-month milestone contract framework.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep technical mastery of controls systems combined with a proven background in knowledge sharing and technical development. This individual must be creative, proactive, organized, flexible, and results-oriented. Bringing outstanding communication, facilitation, and mentoring skills, the Contract Controls Engineer will ensure our advanced automated systems are highly optimized while actively upskilling floor-level teams.

The Contract Controls Engineer will be directly responsible for the deployment, optimization, and floor-level mentorship of advanced automated blocks. Specifically, the resource must own and execute work across the following core technical areas:

• Advanced Automation & Rockwell Platforms

• Own the deployment, optimization, and troubleshooting of Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk environments on the active shop floor.

• Develop and refine control logic, ensuring alignment with client specifications and Industry Best Practices.

• Robotics & Fanuc Platforms

• Manage advanced robotic automation sequences, configurations, and paths utilizing Fanuc platforms.

• Lead hands-on troubleshooting and calibration exercises directly on manufacturing lines.

• Networking & System-Recovery Blocks

• Design, validate, and maintain robust industrial network architectures supporting automated lines.

• Establish, document, and test critical system-recovery blocks to minimize downtime and ensure rapid recovery from critical faults.

• System Integration Mentoring & Technical Education

• Facilitate hands-on coaching and technical mentoring for maintenance technicians and floor engineers utilizing adult learning principles.

• Utilize client-provided Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and schematics to bridge the gap between design intent and floor execution.

• System Ownership & Recovery: Take complete ownership of complex automation, networking, and robotics blocks, ensuring high operational reliability and building comprehensive disaster recovery protocols.

• Technical Coaching & Mentoring: Partner with Manufacturing Operations to deliver structured, hands-on mentorship to floor technicians and junior engineers. Develop and execute a technical knowledge-transfer framework using adult education principles.

• Curriculum & Training Support: Support the development of technical skills and targeted training content based on the immediate needs of the business and opportunities on the floor.

• Instructional Delivery: Deliver interactive coaching and instructor-led training sessions directly on the shop floor, adapting delivery methods to accommodate different learning styles and technical skill levels.

• Continuous Improvement: Provide ongoing engineering and development support to ensure a problem-solving mindset is applied across the automation team. Maintain deep subject matter expertise in all owned hardware and software configurations.

• Minimum of 5 years of dedicated shop-floor experience focusing heavily on Rockwell (Studio 5000/FactoryTalk) and Fanuc platforms.

• Verified historical experience in adult technical education, industrial instruction, or structured system integration mentoring.

• Sourced via an approved specialized automation engineering agency partner (e.g., Actalent, Aerotek) for an initial 12-month milestone contract.

• Demonstrated ability to be proactive, flexible, confident, professional, and self-directed in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to thrive when working independently, contribute strongly as a member of a high-performing team, and handle high-stress situations.

• Strong facilitation and interpersonal communication skills paired with a high level of emotional intelligence.

• Deep ability to understand electrical, mechanical, fluid power, and control systems to analyze problems and execute repairs.

• An active Electrical Certification or relevant Controls Engineering credentials.

• Prior Industrial Maintenance or advanced system integration experience in high-volume manufacturing.

• Advanced understanding of industrial safety design standards and compliance (e.g., NFPA 70E).

• Direct experience with the maintenance, integration, and control of complex hydraulics and pneumatics.

• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and curriculum development frameworks, specifically the ADDIE Model.