CNC Controls & Automation Integration Engineer

 The CNC Controls & Automation Integration Engineer supports the development, integration, installation, and service of the Hennig WorkFlow Pallet System and related automation systems with CNC machine tools. This position bridges CNC controls, electrical systems, and automation platforms to ensure successful machine-to-automation integration for internal and external customers. Reporting to the Automation Product Team leadership, this role works collaboratively with engineering and service teams to develop standardized CNC integrations while also supporting field installations and commissioning activities. This position requires strong CNC controls knowledge, ladder logic familiarity, hands-on troubleshooting capability, and the ability to travel extensively to support new integrations and certain customer deployments.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

CNC Integration & Development 

• Develop and refine CNC control integration solutions for the Hennig WorkFlow Pallet System and related automation systems/options. 
• Read, modify, and troubleshoot CNC ladder logic to support automation handshaking, I/O integration, and safety interlocks. 
• Support development of standardized integration packages across major CNC platforms (Fanuc, Siemens, Haas, Heidenhain, Okuma, etc.). 
• Assist with offsite and onsite integration development and validation activities. 

Installation & Commissioning 

• Travel to CNC OEMs, dealers, and end-user sites for new integration development, installations, and commissioning (estimated 70% travel). 
• Perform electrical and controls integration with CNC machines and industrial equipment. 
• Validate system functionality, communication reliability, and performance during startup. 
• Support production ramp-up and customer training as required.
   

Technical Support & Troubleshooting 

• Diagnose and resolve CNC control, communication, and integration-related issues both remotely and on-site. 
• Serve as a technical escalation resource for complex integration challenges. 
• Support service and internal teams with advanced controls troubleshooting. 

Collaboration & Communication 

• Work closely with product development, engineering, and service teams to ensure reliable system delivery. 
• Provide structured feedback from field installations to improve integration standards and product performance. 
• Support customers professionally during new integration planning, installation, startup, and troubleshooting activities.
   

Documentation & Quality 

• Read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder diagrams, mechanical prints, and technical documentation. 
• Document ladder modifications, interface configurations, and integration procedures. 
• Support development of repeatable integration documentation and standard work for scalable deployments. 
• Maintain accurate service and installation records. 

Secondary Duties & Responsibilities 

(These are supported as needed but are not part of the role’s core responsibilities.) 

• Support internal automation prototype builds as required 
• Integrate CNC machines with other Hennig products such as monitoring systems, conveyors, chip management systems, and other peripherals. 

Qualifications & Requirements 

• Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Technology, or equivalent technical experience required. 
• Minimum 5+ years of experience working with CNC controls required (mid-to-senior level preferred). 
• Strong working knowledge of CNC platforms such as Fanuc, Siemens, Haas, Heidenhain, Okuma, or similar. 
• Experience reading and modifying CNC ladder logic required. 
• Experience with PLCs and industrial automation systems preferred. 
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation required. 
• Strong troubleshooting skills in production environments required. 
• Valid driver’s license and passport for domestic and occasional international travel. 
• Willingness to travel extensively (approximately 70%, including overnight stays). 

Skills 

• CNC controls integration and ladder logic troubleshooting. 
• Industrial automation system integration. 
• Electrical troubleshooting and system validation. 
• Clear and professional communication with customers and internal teams. 
• Ability to work independently in field environments. 
• Adaptability in dynamic installation and startup conditions. 

Physical Demands 

• Regular exposure to manufacturing and machine shop environments. 
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work with tools and electrical components. 
• Standing, walking, bending, and reaching frequently during installations. 
• Occasional extended hours during system commissioning or startup. 

Work Environment 

• Primary work location: Hennig Automation – Rockford, Illinois. 
• Work performed both in shop/test environments and at customer facilities. 
• Travel required approximately 70%, including domestic travel and occasional international trips. 
• Frequent collaboration with engineering, service, and product teams in a hands-on technical environment. 

Performance Objectives 

• Deliver reliable CNC integrations that meet design specifications and customer requirements. 
• Ensure field installations and commissioning activities are completed safely, efficiently, and professionally. 
• Support continuous improvement of integration standards and documentation. 
• Provide high-level troubleshooting support that minimizes customer downtime. 

Key Results Areas 

• Integration Reliability: Performance and stability of CNC-to-automation interfaces. 
• Installation Success: Smooth commissioning and startup execution. 
• Technical Expertise: Effectiveness in resolving complex CNC control issues. 
• Customer Confidence: Professional and technically competent customer interaction. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Alignment between product, engineering, and service teams. 

Hennig, Inc. is an EOE. We offer an excellent benefits and compensation package including Vacation and PTO, Group Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance, as well as 401(K) with matching.