1ST SHIFT CONTROLS ENGINEER NEEDED - BLUFFTON, INDIANA
A Leading Automotive Supplier in the Bluffton, Indiana area needs a 1st Shift Controls Engineer. This is a Full Time, Permanent, Direct Hire Positions offering Competitive Compensation, Bonus Potential, Good Benefits, Paid Holidays and Paid Vacation.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, programming, integration, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing systems across the facility. This role supports advanced stamping operations including large transfer presses, robotic welding systems, and automated inspection and leak testing equipment.
This position plays a critical role in increasing equipment uptime, improving process capability, and driving plant-wide automation initiatives to support growth and operational excellence.
- Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
- Develop and maintain HMI/SCADA interfaces for production equipment and operators.
- Integrate robotics, automated welding cells, transfer press systems, and leak testing equipment into plant operations.
- Support commissioning, startup, and validation of new automation equipment and capital projects.
- Lead automation integration for new product launches (oil pans, structural components, etc.).
- Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, controls, and automation issues to minimize downtime.
- Support high-tonnage stamping presses, transfer systems, and servo-driven equipment.
- Maintain and optimize drive systems (ABB, Allen-Bradley, Indramat, Emerson, legacy systems including 1395 and IMC120).
- Work cross-functionally with Maintenance and Manufacturing Engineering to improve OEE, cycle time, and changeover efficiency.
- Assist Maintenance with advanced electrical and PLC troubleshooting.
- Analyze plant processes and implement automation and control improvements.
- Identify and execute opportunities for increased efficiency, reduced scrap, and improved reliability.
- Develop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance strategies for automated systems.
- Standardize controls architecture and documentation across equipment.
- Develop and deliver PLC and electrical training for maintenance personnel.
- Provide technical guidance to Maintenance, Engineering, and Production teams.
- Support skill development as the plant transitions to higher levels of automation.
- Assist leadership with long-term automation strategy and capital planning.
- Create and maintain electrical schematics, control prints, and system documentation.
- Ensure compliance with National Electrical Code (NEC), IOSHA, and company safety standards.
- Support quality systems by ensuring automation processes meet product and customer requirements.
- Participate in pre-startup safety reviews and equipment validation.
- Support Operations and Engineering Leadership on special projects.
- Assist with design work using AutoCAD and/or Inventor.
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:
- Associate Degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field preferred.
- 3 to 5 years of experience in controls/automation within a manufacturing environment.
- Strong background in automated systems, robotics, and stamping operations preferred.
- PLC Programming: Allen-Bradley (required), Siemens (preferred). HMI/SCADA development
- Robotics integration (welding cells, material handling). Servo drives and motion control systems
- Electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic system knowledge
- Ability to read and create electrical schematics. Familiarity with AutoCAD and/or Inventor
- Strong troubleshooting ability in high-pressure production environments
- Self-directed with ability to lead projects and improvements. Works effectively across engineering, maintenance, and production
- Thrives in a rapidly evolving, highly automated environment . Prioritizes effectively to support production needs and project timelines
TO APPLY:
If you are a high performer and would like to work for an equally high performing company and you think the above opportunity is appropriate for you, we invite you to submit your resume in Microsoft Word format to: GHubbard@Venteon.com
We treat all resumes with strict confidentiality. We will always contact you first before submitting your resume to our client(s) for review. If you do not receive correspondence, you are not a fit for this position.
At Venteon our talent acquisition team is proud to provide our clients with the most qualified Accounting & Finance, Engineering, IT and Administrative talent in the industry today.
