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Manufacturing Automation Controls Engineer

KION North America

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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