Controls Engineer

Title: Controls Engineer Location: Tonawanda, NY (Onsite) Duration: 12+ Months ContractOverviewKey Responsibilities Production & Floor SupportProvide daily hands-on technical support for engine assembly lines. Troubleshoot issues with PLCs, robotics, HMIs, vision systems, instrumentation, and automation equipment. Respond quickly to equipment downtime and root-cause issues impacting production. Work closely with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering groups to prioritize issues. Machine Controls & Automation Program, modify, and troubleshoot: Siemens PLC systems Rockwell / Allen-Bradley Global Common platforms HMI systems Fanuc robots and cobots Support automation equipment from Hirata (Japan) and other vendors. Vision Systems & Sensors Configure and troubleshoot: Cognex AI vision systems Dalsa Matrox camera systemsEquipment Launch & ImplementationSupport installation and commissioning of new Gen6 Small Block Internal Gas Engine assembly equipment. Assist with procurement, integration, testing, and validation of automated systems. Document changes, support PFMEAs, and maintain standard work. AMR / Material Handling Systems Support Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) such as: OTTO Bastian Auto Fork Truck Meetings & Communication Participate in: Morning carryover meeting Smaller team stand-ups End-of-shift review meetings Review cross-shift communication logs and email updates. Communicate top priorities, risks, and production support needs daily.Required Qualifications EducationAssociate Degree required Bachelor's Degree preferred (Electrical Engineering strongly preferred) Experience 5–7 years' experience in manufacturing, automation, or controls. Will consider less experienced candidates with strong aptitude and learning ability.Must-Have Hard SkillsExtensive manufacturing plant floor experience On feet all day, fast-paced environment, high urgency, hands-on troubleshooting Machine controls experience PLCs, robotics, test systems, HMIs, instrumentation, and vision systems Robotics / Automation system experience Fanuc robots/cobots, cameras, AMRs, etc.Preferred Technical Skills (Not required but highly beneficial)Siemens PLC Rockwell/Allen-Bradley Cognex AI Vision Dalsa / Matrox cameras Fanuc Robot/Cobot programming OTTO AMR, Bastian autonomous forklift Experience in engine assembly or automated assembly linesSoft Skills & TraitsTeam player with strong communication skills High energy, flexible, positive attitude Quick learner with strong mechanical/electrical aptitude Able to think on their feet in a dynamic environment Comfortable with large manufacturing operationsWork EnvironmentFast-paced engine assembly plant Mix of older equipment (10+ years) and brand-new automation Highly collaborative with a 12-person engineering team Support production, quality, maintenance, and cross-functional groups