Controls Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to support a large-scale manufacturing program focused on IIOT validation, connectivity, and system readiness. This role is heavily centered around validating machine connectivity, troubleshooting network/system issues, and supporting safety validation activities, rather than hands-on programming.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience with Siemens-based controls environments, industrial networking, and production system validation across machining and automation systems.

Key Responsibilities

IIOT & System Validation

• Lead IIOT validation efforts, ensuring machines are properly connected and reporting accurate machine state data

• Remotely access systems/servers to validate connectivity, data flow, and system performance

• Analyze and troubleshoot industrial network infrastructure issues impacting machine communication

Controls & Automation Support

• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled systems across machining and automation environments

• Support integration and validation of machines within plant control systems

• Collaborate with IT and engineering teams to ensure alignment between controls and network infrastructure

Safety Validation & Commissioning

• Support safety validation efforts to bring equipment from early commissioning phases through production readiness

• Assist in progressing equipment through Ford’s commissioning process (e.g., Protag phases: White → Green)

• Participate in MIDAS checks and validation activities to ensure compliance with production standards

Troubleshooting & Debug

• Debug communication and connectivity issues between machines, PLCs, and higher-level systems

• Perform root cause analysis on system/network failures and implement corrective actions

• Support validation of robot safety configurations and automation systems

$45/hr

Exact compensation may vary based on several factors, including skills, experience, and education.

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 31st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected] learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.

Skills and Requirements

• 5–10+ years of experience as a Controls Engineer / Controls Specialist / Automation Engineer

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (or equivalent experience)

• Strong experience with Siemens PLCs (Step 7, TIA Portal)

• Hands-on troubleshooting experience with industrial automation systems (PLC, CNC, robotics)

• Experience validating equipment safety for production environments

• Proven experience supporting machine validation and production readiness

• Experience working with industrial networking / IT infrastructure in manufacturing environments. Networking/IT: Industrial networks, Cisco, IIOT platforms, Node-RED (preferred) • Experience with IIOT systems / Industrial Internet of Things

• Familiarity with Node-RED (or willingness to learn) and industrial networking tools (e.g., Cisco)

• Experience with CNC systems (Siemens 840D or similar)

• Robotics experience with ABB and/or Fanuc (safety configuration and validation)

• Siemens Safety Certified (Level 2 or 3)