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
