Controls Engineering Specialist – Battery Pack Assembly

Location: Jeffersonville, IN (Remote to start, then On-site)

About Sustainable Talent

At Sustainable Talent, we build high-performing teams that match our clients' goals and values. We are partnering with a leading global automotive manufacturer to staff a brand-new battery pack assembly plant in Jeffersonville, Indiana. This is a rare chance to help build a greenfield operation from the ground up.

The Opportunity

As Engineering Specialist, Controls, you will help launch and run a new battery pack assembly plant. You will drive controls best practices, automation programming and equipment troubleshooting to hit safety, quality and production goals. You will play a key role in the design, installation, validation and continuous improvement of automated systems, covering PLCs, robotics, vision, fastening, welding and conveyors. You will work with IT, Manufacturing Engineering and production teams to solve problems, implement engineering changes, and capture lessons learned that shape future programs.

The role starts remotely and moves onsite in Jeffersonville, Indiana. During construction, you may attend onsite meetings or work from a temporary onsite office. It requires flexibility to work all shift schedules, including nights, weekends and holidays.

What You'll Do

Ensure adherence to Key Unifying PRocesses (KUP), Safety Operating Systems (zero injuries), and Quality Operating System (zero defects) practices

Use Andon and FIS (Factory Information Systems) data to prioritize work, monitor cycle times and drive 100% flow

Identify, implement and train others on Controls Best Practices, Enablers and Change Control Processes

Act as the liaison with IT on controls/IT interface issues, including integration with FIS, Error Proofing, QWX and QTS systems

Review, approve and update engineering drawings; monitor software specifications and coordinate OEM training as needed

Resolve issues during machine build, installation and production, including PLC programs, HMI screens and automation downtime

Set up and maintain industrial barcode scanners and printers

Run off equipment against supplier and plant specifications to validate capability, robustness and safety

Support process design and FMEAs so production systems meet performance targets

Coordinate installation timing and documentation with plant and Manufacturing Engineering teams

Capture lessons learned and apply them to new programs and existing standards

Program new installations and reprogram existing systems (vision, fastening, dispense, leak test, electrical test, welding, gantry, conveyor) for engineering changes and improvements

Maintain automation program backups

Lead troubleshooting for machinery, robots, automation and controls-related downtime

Help train manufacturing personnel and plant electricians

Review and coordinate project installations across the site

What You'll Bring

Associate's degree

3+ years of controls engineering experience in an automated manufacturing environment

3+ years of networking and communication protocols experience

3+ years of PLC programming experience (Siemens and/or Allen-Bradley)

Ability and willingness to work off-shift schedules

Nice to Have

Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Controls or Automation preferred)

Experience with FANUC, ABB and Universal Robots; Atlas Copco fastening; laser welding and metrology

Knowledge of Industry 4.0 (data collection, AI/ML, IIoT, digital twin) and networking/controls architectures

Familiarity with manufacturing IT applications such as plant information, traceability, quality data and statistical process control systems

Understanding of Industrial Engineering, Lean/Six Sigma, 5S, Kanban, Poka-Yoke, Value Stream Mapping, 8D, FMEA, DMAIC, TQM and Kaizen

Knowledge of data structures/algorithms and electrical/safety standards (UL, ISO, IEC), including risk assessments

Direct experience with assembly and machining controls architectures (hardware and software)

Ability to read electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic controls prints

PLC programming knowledge (Siemens, Schneider, Bosch), plus CNC/motion control, vision and RFID systems

Ability to troubleshoot PLC, CNC, robot and automation issues; CNC/gantry integration a plus

Strong leadership, team-building and communication skills

A self-starter with strong organizational and influencing skills, comfortable working with senior management, engineering, safety, IT and production

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $74,300 – $166,200. This position includes a comprehensive benefits package. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Equal Opportunity

Sustainable Talent is a M/F+, disabled, and veteran equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Apply Today

If you want to program, launch and optimize the automation behind a brand-new plant, we'd love to hear from you.