Manufacturing Automation Controls Engineer
KION North America
Other Engineering
Summerville, SC, USA
Posted on Oct 27, 2025
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Manufacturing Automation Controls Engineer to support our sophisticated manufacturing operations. This role is essential for ensuring the efficiency, precision, and safety of our production lines, with a significant focus on CNC controlled machinery! The ideal candidate will be a hands-on controls engineering expert, skilled in bridging the gap between sophisticated automation systems and day-to-day manufacturing operations support, driving continuous improvement through automation and optimized control systems!
We offer:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide direct technical support to manufacturing lines, troubleshooting and resolving issues related to automated equipment and control systems to minimize downtime.
- Lead the design, develop, implement, and maintain automation and control systems for manufacturing processes, including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and CNC machines.
- Program, optimize and fine-tune CNC machines, demonstrating proficiency in G-code and familiarity with control systems from manufacturers such as Siemens and Fanuc.
- Develop and implement software for control systems, design electrical schematics, and specify equipment requirements for new and existing manufacturing cells.
- Collaborate with production, maintenance, and other engineering teams to find opportunities for process automation and efficiency improvements.
- Conduct root cause analysis for equipment failures and process deviations, implementing sustainable solutions.
- Ensure all automated systems comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and quality requirements.
- Has a strong understanding of manufacturing drawings and GD&T, and their application in automated manufacturing.
- Lead in the development and delivery of training programs for production and maintenance personnel on new, existing or updated automated systems.
- Use CAD/CAM software for system design and analysis as the need arises.
- Fosters a continuous improvement environment by implementing structured problem-solving methodologies and lean manufacturing principles.
- Generate and maintain project status update reports.
Tasks and Qualifications:
Education and Qualifications:
- BS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation / Mechatronic Engineering or related years of experience
- Minimum of 3+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in controls engineering and automation engineering, specifically within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Strong practical experience with CNC machinery programming and operation.
- In-depth knowledge of PLC programming (e.g., Siemens, Rockwell, Cloos), HMI development, SCADA systems, and industrial networking protocols.
- Experience with robotics and vision systems a plus.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex electrical, mechanical, and software issues.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
- SAP knowledge a plus
- Proficiency in German is a strong asset, particularly for international collaboration or specific equipment manuals.
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