Controls Engineer
Job Description
Title: Controls Engineer
Location: Tonawanda, NY (Onsite)
Duration: 12+ Months Contract
Overview
Key Responsibilities
Production & Floor Support
Provide 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 systems
Equipment Launch & Implementation
Support 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
Education
Associate 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 Skills
Extensive 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 lines
Soft Skills & Traits
Team 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 operations
Work Environment
Fast-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