Controls Engineer (Automotive\u002FEV Industry)
Job description
Position Description:
The Controls Engineer will be responsible for architecting, specifying, developing, implementing, testing and commissioning of automated conveyor systems, pick and place robots, automated guided vehicles, and interfacing to Production Control Systems.
Controls Engineer:
A working understanding of Conveyor Systems (Gravity/Powered/lifts/right-angle transfers/etc.), Writing and Reading engineering Schematics, PLC I/O, AC/DC Systems including Variable Frequency Drives, Pick and Place Robots, Highly Available Systems Design is a must. The successful candidate will have a solid technical knowledge of Robots and Conveyor Systems and experienced in architecting, specifying and writing code for control of the same. Knowledge of embedded systems, control system design and practical deployment experience in highly automated, high throughput and precision delivery systems is required. Ability to write detailed specifications based on first principles approach is fundamental to the job. Excellent communications skills are mandatory.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
- Architect and Specify requirements for interfacing Automation Equipment – Conveyors, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems, Pick and Place Robots, Automated Guided Vehicles – to Production Workflow.
- Interface with Vendors, internal groups to Understand, Architect, Specify, Communicate and Execute required solution.
- Proactively engage with stakeholders to monitor, troubleshoot and implement changes based on defined KPI’s.
- Communicate Engineering requirements to the required stakeholders – external vendors and internal groups.
- Architect, write, and debug PLC ladder logic and Structured Text with an emphasis on generating code that is organized, structured, documented, maintainable and reusable. PLC code will interact with subsystems such as conveyors, robots, Manufacturing Execution System (MES), LabView, machine vision, and 3rd party equipment.
- Consolidate inputs from across Tesla into executive reviews highlighting risks and opportunities.
- Participate in initial equipment conceptual development and carefully balance product specifications, process control requirements, layout complexity, cost, quality and lead-time limits.
- Debug and optimize automated processes to maximize cycle time, improve availability and yield.
- Establish test plans and control test plan execution at Vendor and at Tesla facility during installation and buy-off
- Introduce automated processes into production, and train Maintenance and Production Teams to support after deployment into production
- Enforce application of Tesla standards, Manage suppliers during specification, design review, design approval, installation, and commissioning.
- Create machine interactions with plant-wide Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to communicate product acceptability, machine status, and process variables.
- Generate aesthetically simple HMI screens for complex machinery while providing sufficient feedback for troubleshooting.
- Manage electrical cabinet builds, field wiring, pneumatic and fluid plumbing.
- Define appropriate safety concepts as it pertains to PLC logic and PLC tie-ins of safety related equipment
- Work with production, maintenance, and EHS stakeholders to define the proper and reasonable safety concepts
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Skills
- 5+ years’ experience in Control Systems Design and Implementation.
- Excellent understanding of Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Conveyor Systems.
- Proficiency with process integration and electromechanical / mechatronic systems
- Proficiency programming industrial equipment:
1. Structure text PLCs (Beckhoff and Siemens controllers)
2. Safety PLCs (Beckhoff , Siemens and Allen Bradley)
3. Human Machine Interface (HMI / GUI – Beckhoff View, WinCC, Ignition)
4. Fieldbus Networks (EtherCAT, Profinet, Ethernet)
5. Serial communication (RS-232) between PLCs and instruments
6. Ethernet communications between machine PLCs and database systems.
- Experience in designing and deploying systems from first principles based design.
- Demonstrated excellence in programming PLCs. Must have a well-defined methodology for maintaining code structure and organization. Ability to program state machines for complex processes which involve multi-station parallel processing, pick and place automation, and data acquisition. Proven ability to design fault-tolerant systems with error handling and recovery.
- Proficiency with process integration of electromechanical/mechatronic systems
- In depth knowledge of Electrical Standards (NFPA79, National Electric code, UL508A).
- In depth knowledge of Safety standards (ANSI/RIA15.06, OSHA).
- Experience with Vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, Fanuc)
- Proficiency selecting appropriate circuit protectors, wire and cable, sensors, safety hardware, PLC hardware, remote I/O, VFD and servo systems.
- Proficiency programming and tuning variable frequency drives
- Individual contributor design engineering experience is highly valued.
- Coding in embedded control systems and interfacing to PLC’s (Rockwell/Siemens/Beckhoff).
- Design engineering experience using CAD tools as well as knowledge of software language(s).
- Experience in planning activities and vendor management in an engineering environment.
- Demonstrated ability to understand complex system design, development, and implementation projects and identify critical elements.
- Detail oriented with strong record-keeping and organizational skills.
- Ability to work cross functionally between engineering, production, and supply chain personnel.
- Ability to manage multiple ambiguous projects at the same time with a high degree of variation and uncertainty.
- Natural ability to speak, write and communicate effectively at all organizational levels.
- Ability to perform well and grow under limited supervision
- BS or MS Electrical Engineering (or equivalent – Majors in: Controls and Computer Control Systems, Mechatronic Engineering, Automation Engineering, etc.) or equivalent experience.
This position could be a long term contract or possibly a contract to hire with our automotive client. This position is based in Texas. We also have a controls engineer position in Kansas City, MO for a different client. This is not a virtual or hybrid position. Onsite.
Job Type: Contract
