Control Engineering Specialist

Controls Engineer

HOPKINSVILLE, KENTUCKY, United States 

Job Description

About Metalsa: We are a global leader with over 65 years of experience in the automotive industry, manufacturing safe, sustainable products that move people around the world. We’re building a better future by enriching communities every day—driven by our commitment to people, innovation, and our planet. 

Role Objective: As a Controls Engineer, you will help ensure all robots, PLCs, and peripheral equipment operate properly and safely through standardization and continuous improvement. You'll lead the execution of the ODiX Digital Transformation in the plant, driving the rollout of Industry 4.0 technologies, increasing adoption, and supporting the consolidation of expected behaviors and value creation.

What will your day look like?

• Train maintenance technicians on controls so they can troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair automated equipment on their own.
• Respond to escalated calls from maintenance technicians on troubleshooting, diagnostics, or repair tasks involving automated equipment.
• Control, document, validate, and manage changes to controls systems and processes.
• Ensure software governance by keeping documentation, parameters, and programs current and backed up on a regular basis.
• Support new projects related to controls and automation.
• Lead the implementation of ODiX and Industry 4.0 products across the plant.
• Work in a safe manner and encourage others to do the same.
• Report all unsafe acts and conditions immediately.
• Use our Innovation process and the team concept to improve safety in the plant.
• Be proactively involved in improving working conditions.
• Develop solutions that improve product and process quality through automation and 4.0 ideas.
• Help maintain the appearance of a World Class facility.
• Actively support full implementation of the 5S's, keeping all areas clean, neat, and properly maintained.
• Improve the reliability of controls systems through standardization and problem solving / continuous improvement.
• Track KPIs related to the area and develop projects to improve them.
• Develop and implement improvements and ideas to reduce cost.
• Stay actively involved with the Metalsa Model and MOS practices.
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed—this role evolves as the needs of the department change.

Education & Experience

• 2-year degree in electronics, computer science, or equivalent experience (required); Engineering degree in Automation, Controls, or Electronics preferred.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience programming and troubleshooting robotics equipment, preferably Fanuc and PLC programming (required).
• A minimum of 3 years' proven experience in industrial equipment, equipment specification, and equipment installation (required).
• Experience implementing 4.0 technologies and data analysis (preferred).

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Proficient computer skills across the Microsoft suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Thorough understanding of the operation, control, and adjustment of automation.
• Experience writing operational procedures, documentation systems, and project management.
• Quality systems management.
• Human development management.
• Knowledge of core manufacturing processes (Stamping, Assembly, Painting, Welding, Hydroforming).
• Strong analysis and problem-solving methodology.
• Advanced computational skills (Office proficiency, Power BI, software programming).
• Automation skills, including PLC & HMI programming, industrial networks, communication protocols for industrial automation, and hardware & software selection and implementation.
• Regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to use hands to handle or touch.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to visually focus.

Physical Requirements:

Why You’ll Love Working Here: At Metalsa, you’ll enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, endless opportunities to grow your career.

Your Perks Include:

• Vacation, personal time, and paid holidays.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription insurance.
• Paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) company match, flexible spending account (FSA), health reimbursement account (HRA).
• Tuition reimbursement, advancement opportunities, and professional training programs.
• Exclusive employee discounts and more!

Job Info

• Job Schedule: Full time
• Flexibility required: employees may be asked to work overtime or off-shift hours to support production, maintenance, and project schedules.
• Locations 301 Bill Bryan Boulevard, HOPKINSVILLE, KENTUCKY, 42240, US