Job Description

DIRECT HIRE

Department: Manufacturing Engineering

Location: Gastonia, NC

Reports To: Manager of Manufacturing Engineering & Maintenance

Employment Type: Full‑Time, Direct Hire

Shift: 1st Shift

Compensation: $110,000 – $120,000 (base salary)

Position Overview

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to play a key role in improving manufacturing performance through automation upgrades, process optimization, and data‑driven analysis. This position supports a highly automated production environment and focuses on reducing downtime, improving efficiency, and delivering sustainable OEE gains across production lines.

This is a hands‑on engineering role with strong collaboration across Manufacturing, Maintenance, Production, and Quality teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and eliminate root causes of availability, performance, and quality losses
• Design, develop, and implement automation solutions that reduce cycle time and unplanned downtime
• Lead production line upgrades and new machine introductions from concept through startup
• Develop data collection and monitoring solutions , from PLC/machine level to shop‑floor dashboards
• Standardize automation platforms, hardware, and programming practices across production lines
• Implement and improve machine safety systems , including risk assessments and safety circuit design
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards ( ISO 13849, IEC 62061, NFPA 79)
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams on continuous improvement initiatives
• Support troubleshooting of control systems and provide technical guidance as needed
• Travel to other company sites as required to support projects or standardization efforts

Technical Experience & Skills

PLC & Industrial Networks

• Siemens TIA Portal , Step 7, Step 5
• PROFINET, PROFIBUS, PROFISAFE
• I‑Device, COM PROFIBUS (S5)

IO‑Link & Traceability

• IO‑Link hardware configuration and standard programming
• RFID integration for traceability and production tracking
• HMI control and monitoring functions

Drives & Motion Control

• Siemens servo systems, S7 Technology Objects (TO)
• Integrated safety technology and motion functions
• Bosch Rexroth IndraDrive (DriveTop commissioning, Master/Slave configuration, safety integration)

Robotics

• KUKA: KRL programming, WorkVisual, SafeOperation, PLC integration
• Stäubli: VAL3 programming, CS9 controller configuration, SRS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (required)
• 3–5 years of experience in manufacturing automation
• Proven experience delivering process improvement and reliability gains
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing or Six Sigma tools (SMED, 5S, VSM)
• Knowledge of machine safety standards ( ISO 13849, IEC 62061, NFPA 79)
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings
• Comfortable working with production data, KPIs, and performance dashboards
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally
• Willingness to travel to other manufacturing sites as needed
• Fluency in English required; German language skills are a plus

What’s Offered

• Competitive salary with full benefits
• Direct impact on manufacturing performance and automation strategy
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training
• Exposure to international projects and global manufacturing initiatives
• Stable 1st‑shift schedule in a technically advanced production environment

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