Controls Engineer

Department Mission Statement: 

To support the development of new Hendrickson suspension components while maintaining that Hendrickson is a profitable company. We will do this by simultaneously developing the manufacturing processes and tools alongside product development. We will focus on creating processes that are capable, sustainable, and within takt time. These processes must support the capacity needed by the customer within reasonable financial payback to our company.

 

Position Purpose:

Responsible for leading the design and development of product traceability solutions and initiatives, including the tools, software, and manufacturing processes required to support traceability for existing and new products. These will include but are not limited to:

• Traceability system development, deployment, data collection and analysis
• SQL database interaction supporting traceability and reporting
• Utilizing Rockwell FactoryTalk Suite
• HMI programming
• PLC programming
• Plant layouts / material flow
• Commissioning/startup support

Essential Functions:

• Troubleshoot complex production issues; perform root cause analysis; document findings for Quality/Production/IT.
• Collaborate with vendors to resolve defects and drive improvements in their software, configuration, or web-based tools
• Develop and maintain HMI solutions and other visualizations (charts/graphs/dashboards) that are meaningful, clear, and visually effective.
• Maintain program documentation (code comments, standards, versioning expectations) and standard work instructions.
• Support controls standards and serve as a technical resource across Hendrickson manufacturing locations.
• Write reliable, scalable, repeatable, testable, and maintainable PLC logic and SQL queries.
• Lead upgrades/migrations of automated FANUC robotic cells from Rockwell Logix 500 to Logix 5000 (Studio 5000), including validation, documentation, and production cutover support.
• Be a technical resource to Hendrickson Manufacturing Engineers nationwide.
• Champion the engineering design process (concept, design, drawing creation, build, document), installation, and long-term technical support of manufacturing processes; meet quality, capability, cost, and time targets.
• Develop and implement capital or expense projects including:
  • Researching new and established manufacturing, data collection, and traceability technologies.
  • Planning the capital and time required to implement the selected technology.
  • Writing CER (Capital Expenditure Request) proposals; upon approval: procure equipment, install in plant, and meet cost/time targets
• Participate in product and process design reviews to improve product quality while reducing production cost.
• Additional job duties as assigned.

 

Education and Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related technical area is required (Controls Engineering / Software Engineering preferred).

 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• 5-8+ years of engineering experience required.
•  
• Professional experience as Manufacturing Engineer in an automated machine tending environment is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to read and understand electrical schematics, flowcharts, and Allen Bradley PLC code.
• Understanding of structured programming principles. Familiarity with Software Design Lifecycle.
• Must exhibit strong “problem solving and decision-making” skills.
• Production experience is an advantage.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Rockwell FactoryTalk software suite (Studio 5000, View Designer, Administration Console, Transaction Manager, FT Directory, View Studio, NGT2).
• Formal training in SQL or other database language.
• Experience integrating or interfacing controls/data with other industrial platforms (e.g., Siemens, Fanuc, Haas).
• Ability to visualize data (PowerBI / pivot tables / charts).
• Familiarity with networking protocols EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, PROFIBUS

 

Physical Demands

• Remain in a stationary position / operate a computer.
• Leads and participates in physical assembly of mechanical/electrical designs; may make modifications as needed.

 

Environmental Conditions

• Office setting and shop floor setting.
• Candidate will be working in and around industrial machinery; may be exposed to automation, machining, heat treat, laser cutting, and other physical assembly processes.
• All necessary PPE (as defined by OSHA) and associated training will be provided.
• Must be willing to travel to Hendrickson manufacturing facilities on an as-needed basis.

 

Behavioral Traits

• Must be punctual, self-motivated, ethical, and willing to learn.
• Excellent problem solving and deductive reasoning skills.
• Persuasive communication and interpersonal skills; able to work within a team environment and collaborate with different functional groups.
• Strong organizational skills.
• React quickly to issues impacting production.

 

*This is not a comprehensive list of duties. Duties may change without notice in management’s sole discretion. Hendrickson is an at-will employer, each employee is free to resign at any time, just as Hendrickson is free to terminate employment at any time without cause or notice.

 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.