Software Engineer – Controls
Location: Sterling Heights, MI 48310
Schedule: Fully onsite | 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Pay Rate:$46–$51/hour
Type: Ongoing W2 Contract
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer / Software Engineer – Controls to support high-volume gear machining and manufacturing operations. This position will focus heavily on CNC equipment, PLC/CNC controls, automation troubleshooting, equipment improvements, and manufacturing systems integration.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement control-system and equipment improvements using Factory Information Systems (FIS) data.
- Troubleshoot CNC machinery, PLCs, robotics, automation systems, and manufacturing equipment.
- Lead root-cause problem solving for equipment performance issues and downtime.
- Reprogram equipment to support engineering changes and continuous improvements.
- Program new installations involving automation, machinery, material handling systems, and robots.
- Maintain program backups for machinery and automation equipment.
- Use FIS plant-monitoring software to analyze equipment cycle times and performance.
- Integrate controls with manufacturing IT systems, including FIS, Error Proofing, QWX, and QTS.
- Review and coordinate equipment and project installations.
- Support and train manufacturing personnel and plant electricians.
- Participate in equipment safety and risk assessments.
- Collaborate with UAW maintenance personnel, vendors, and Process Team Members.
Must-Have Qualifications
- 5+ years of Controls Engineering experience.
- Strong hands-on CNC experience is required.
- Experience working in a high-volume manufacturing/production environment.
- Hands-on experience with PLC/CNC controls and troubleshooting.
- PLC controller experience with systems such as Siemens, Rexroth, and Allen-Bradley.
- Strong equipment troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work effectively with maintenance teams, vendors, and cross-functional manufacturing groups.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- High School Diploma or GED required.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting gear machining or gear manufacturing operations.
- Siemens Step 7 and TIA Portal programming and troubleshooting.
- Siemens power line and solution line configuration/programming.
- FANUC controls and CNC troubleshooting.
- Robotics and computer vision experience.
- Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma experience.
- 8D and 5 Why corrective-action/problem-solving experience.
- Experience with Lean tools including 5S, Kanban, Poka-Yoke, and Value Stream Mapping.
- Familiarity with UL 508A and NFPA 79 requirements.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Ideal Candidate
The strongest candidate will bring a combination of hands-on CNC expertise, Controls Engineering experience, PLC troubleshooting/programming, and experience supporting high-volume manufacturing equipment. Previous gear machining experience is especially valuable.
#INDOEM
#LI-KW1