Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer / Assembly TechnicianThis role supports the Final Assembly Production Engineering department by providing technical and skilled support for assembly equipment and control systems. You will review designs and specifications, support equipment buyoff, oversee installation and commissioning, and ensure reliable start-up of production equipment. The position focuses on delivering high-quality, low-cost, and reliable plant equipment and control systems while collaborating closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams.ResponsibilitiesReview equipment specifications and designs to ensure they meet safety, quality, and productivity requirements, and identify opportunities for improvement.Conduct vendor buyoffs to confirm that equipment functions correctly and aligns with project specifications before shipment and installation.Install new equipment and verify that safety, quality, and productivity standards are met during start-up and commissioning.Investigate equipment performance to determine necessary modifications, implement changes, and conduct trials and adjustments to optimize operation.Reduce project cost and lead time by confirming safety, quality, and productivity at the vendor site prior to installation.Minimize adjustment time during vehicle trials by performing thorough quality trials and checks at the vendor location.Oversee vendor-led equipment installation on-site and facilitate supporting processes such as kanban to ensure smooth integration into production.Improve equipment quality and productivity by implementing adjustments identified during online vehicle trials and production runs.Confirm quality results using secondary verification methods such as torque checks, vacuum profiles, and other measurement techniques.Install, set up, and troubleshoot program controllers, including Allen-Bradley and other PLC platforms, to ensure reliable control of equipment.Develop, modify, and debug PLC programs to support new installations, upgrades, and process improvements.Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, and automation issues using mechanical and electrical drawings, test equipment, and software tools.Provide training and hands-on guidance to maintenance team members on newly implemented equipment, controls, and procedures.Share subject matter expertise with local maintenance and production teams, supporting knowledge transfer and continuous improvement.Participate in vehicle trials and production ramp-up activities to ensure equipment performs as intended and meets production targets.Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production stakeholders to support project planning, execution, and post-installation optimization.Travel domestically and internationally, as needed (up to approximately 50% at peak), to vendor sites and manufacturing plants for equipment programming, wiring, inspection, and support.Follow established safety procedures, lockout/tagout practices, and company standards while working on equipment and control systems.Work overtime as needed, including some weekends, holidays, and shutdown periods, to support installations, trials, and production schedules.Essential SkillsAt least 2 years of strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience with platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, or similar systems.Minimum 2 years of comprehensive experience working with PLCs and industrial control systems.Comprehensive knowledge of electrical circuits and industrial controls with at least 2 years of hands-on experience.Experience in controls engineering, including PLC programming, HMI configuration, and systems engineering for automated equipment.Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings for troubleshooting, installation, and design review.Proficiency in troubleshooting automation equipment, including electrical, control, and mechanical components.Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMI interfaces, and industrial automation architectures.Understanding of electrical design principles and safe work practices for industrial environments.2-year technical degree or completion of a trade school program in fields such as Electrical/Electronic Technology (EET) or Industrial Maintenance Technology, and/or equivalent work experience.Ability to travel up to approximately 50% of the time, including domestic and international travel (such as Canada, Mexico, and Japan).Ability to work up to approximately 30% overtime when required, including some weekends, holidays, and plant shutdowns.Physical ability to lift and carry up to 40 lbs on occasion.Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and crouch frequently on varying surfaces during installation and troubleshooting activities.Manual dexterity to safely and effectively operate hand tools, power tools, and machinery.Ability to climb ladders and work at heights as needed for equipment access and maintenance.Good vision and hand–eye coordination to perform detailed repairs, wiring, and adjustments.Ability to work in various environmental conditions, including hot, cold, or confined spaces.Stamina to perform repetitive tasks and work long shifts when required to support production and project timelines.Valid driver's license and valid passport to support required domestic and international travel.Strong communication skills to collaborate with engineering, maintenance, vendors, and production teams.Additional Skills & Qualifications2+ years of industrial maintenance experience supporting automated production equipment.Knowledge of industrial robot programming and teaching for applications such as welding, material handling, or assembly.Experience with AGV/AMR programming, setup, and integration into production systems.Knowledge of safety scanners and their programming, including integration into safety circuits and control systems.Familiarity with industrial controls networking such as Ethernet/IP, FLNet, Profinet, and other industrial communication protocols.Automotive manufacturing experience, particularly in final assembly or similar high-volume production environments.Experience with SQL or data-related tools used for monitoring, reporting, or analyzing equipment performance.Exposure to large-scale, multi-year capital projects and structured project planning environments.Experience providing training or mentoring to maintenance or production personnel on new equipment and systems.Comfort with structured behavioral interviews (such as STAR format) and multi-stage interview processes.Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a Final Assembly Production Engineering environment, supporting plant equipment and control systems for automotive or similar high-volume manufacturing. You will work closely with engineering, maintenance, vendors, and production teams on the shop floor and at vendor sites. The work involves design and drawing reviews, vendor buyoff activities, installation, commissioning, and equipment start-up support. You will frequently be around automated machinery, industrial robots, PLC-controlled systems, and various industrial control networks. The position requires up to approximately 50% travel at peak, including domestic and international trips to locations such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, and other sites for programming, wiring, equipment inspection, and training. Initial travel may occur within the first month for training at another facility. Work hours can include long shifts and up to about 30% overtime, with some weekends, holidays, and plant shutdown periods required to support critical installations and trials. The physical environment includes working on varying surfaces, at heights, and in hot, cold, or confined spaces. You will regularly use hand tools, power tools, test equipment, and laptops for programming and troubleshooting. The organization emphasizes long-term projects, stable contract arrangements, and a strong pipeline of work planned over several years. Schedules offer some flexibility and support for work–life balance, even with travel requirements. Benefits typically include paid time off, paid holidays, overtime pay for hours worked over 40 per week, and covered travel arrangements for contractors.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Princeton, IN.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $32.00 - $38.00/hr.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Princeton, IN.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to