Controls Engineer

Controls EngineerDepartment: Manufacturing EngineeringLocation: Gastonia, NCReports To: Manager of Manufacturing Engineering and MaintenanceEmployment Type: Full-TimeNo visa sponsorship available for this positionAbout StabilusStabilus is a global leader in motion control solutions - gas springs, dampers, and electromechanical drives - with 8,000+ employees across 45 locations worldwide.Role OverviewYou will drive measurable improvements in manufacturing performance through automation upgrades, process optimization, and data-driven analysis. The goal is to reduce downtime, eliminate waste, and deliver sustained OEE gains across production lines.Key ResponsibilitiesIdentify and eliminate root causes of availability, performance, and quality lossesDesign and implement automation solutions that reduce cycle time and unplanned downtimeLead line upgrade and new machine introduction projectsDevelop data collection and monitoring solutions from PLC/machine level to shopfloor dashboardsStandardize automation platforms and programming practices across linesImplement and improve machine safety systems, including risk assessments, safety circuit design, and compliance with relevant safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061)Collaborate with Maintenance, Production, and Quality teams on improvement initiativesTechnical RequirementsPLCTIA Portal, Step 7, Step 5PROFINET, PROFIBUS, PROFISAFEI-Device, COM PROFIBUS - S5IO-LinkHardware configuration & standard programmingRFID integration for traceability and production trackingHMI control functionsSiemens ServoS7-specific functions & PROFIBUS connectionTechnology Objects (TO) programmingIntegrated Safety TechnologyL-Force developmentIndradrive (Bosch Rexroth)S7 integration & PROFIBUS communicationMaster/Slave configurationIntegrated safety functionsDriveTop commissioningRoboticsKUKA: KRL programming, WorkVisual, SafeOperation, PLC integrationStäubli: VAL3 programming, SRS, CS9 controller configurationQualificationsB.S. in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university (required)Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship3-5 years in manufacturing automation with a proven track record of process improvementHands-on experience with lean manufacturing or Six Sigma tools (SMED, 5S, VSM)Familiarity with machine safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061, NFPA 79)Able to read electrical schematics and technical drawingsComfortable working with production data and KPI reportingWillingness to travel to other Stabilus sitesFluent English; German is a plusWhat We OfferDirect impact on production performance across a global manufacturing networkCompetitive salary and benefitsProfessional development and trainingInternational project exposure