Controls Engineer

American Axle & Manufacturing - Detroit, MI

Full-time - Entry Level

Detroit, MI

51-100 employees

Transportation Equipment Manufacturing

About the position

The Controls Engineer at AAM is responsible for leading the design, testing, installation, and maintenance of large-scale electronic equipment or machinery used in manufacturing. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and business acumen to solve complex problems and ensure the functionality and safety of control systems. The position emphasizes the importance of collaboration with engineering teams and adherence to company standards, while also supporting the development and growth of associates through various training programs.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates control systems, products, components, and applications.
• Evaluates new manufacturing and control technologies, adapting into specifications as appropriate.
• Confirms control system functionality, including appropriate safety compliance, by designing and/or executing test procedures.
• Prepares and/or reviews electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic controls drawings; collaborates with related engineering teams to evaluate components, materials, and suppliers.
• Ensures integrity of process and build data collection.
• Provides information to manufacturing, process, and other engineering fields by answering questions and requests.
• Keeps equipment operating by performing periodic audits; troubleshooting breakdowns; requesting supplies; defining and reviewing preventive maintenance plans; calling for repairs; and implementing process improvements.
• Maintains project documents using approved methodology, tools, and templates.
• Manages supplier development and delivery.
• Identifies problems and implements solutions with minimal guidance.
• Adheres to established company standards and systems, along with safety standards and practices.
• Self-directed management of job tasks in support of plant operations.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in relevant Engineering or technical training equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience with manufacturing processes and equipment interaction (including internships or other educational programs).
• Willing and able to adopt flexible work hours in order to support the launch of manufacturing processes.
• Willing and able to travel locally and internationally to support program launches.
• Can interact with machinery through HMI or laptop connection.
• Able to read and interpret mechanical and electrical prints and schematics.
• Understanding of gauging methods and ability to use gauging equipment without assistance.
• Knowledge and implementation experience of Ethernet and serial data protocols.
• Familiarity with basic electronics and embedded system programming.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical control and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of PLC systems and intermediate programming methods.
• Knowledge of Fanuc robots - recovery and teaching points on a teach pendant.
• Troubleshoot, read, and edit PLC logic and CNC programs.

Benefits

• Bonus opportunities
• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• 401K matching
• Tuition reimbursement
• Training programs for personal and professional growth