Controls Engineering Specialist – Battery Pack Assembly
Sustainable Talent
$74,300 - $166,200 / year
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Description
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.
About this role
Sustainable Talent is recruiting a Controls Engineering Specialist to help launch a new battery pack assembly plant in Jeffersonville, Indiana—a greenfield operation for a major automotive manufacturer. You'll own the design, installation, validation and continuous improvement of automated systems including PLCs, robotics, vision systems, welding, fastening and conveyors. The role demands hands-on troubleshooting, PLC programming, equipment validation and close collaboration with IT, Manufacturing Engineering and production teams to meet safety, quality and production targets.
This is a temporary position that starts remotely and transitions onsite, requiring flexibility to work all shift schedules including nights, weekends and holidays. You'll need at least three years of controls engineering experience in automated manufacturing, plus demonstrated expertise in PLC programming (Siemens or Allen-Bradley) and networking/communication protocols. An associate's degree is required; a bachelor's in electrical, mechanical, controls or automation engineering is preferred. The salary range is $74,300–$166,200 depending on experience.
The role suits someone who thrives in startup environments and wants to shape systems from the ground up rather than maintain existing operations. You should be comfortable with continuous learning across multiple automation platforms, enjoy problem-solving under pressure, and have the communication skills to train plant personnel and influence senior stakeholders. Experience with Industry 4.0, Lean methodologies, FANUC/ABB robotics, or manufacturing IT systems would strengthen your candidacy.
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Pay for this role
$74,300 to $166,200 per year
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