CONTROLS ENGINEER



Makino is a world leader in metal-cutting and machining technology. As a leader in advanced manufacturing machine tool technology, Makino enables its customers to realize the highest level of quality with the fastest time to market. When companies make the parts that matter for automotive, aerospace, medical, die-mold and other industries worldwide, they make them with Makino.


As part of the Project Engineering group, the Controls Engineer executes the assigned Controls Engineering tasks supporting the implementation of automated machining systems, integrating Makino machining centers with part delivery systems and other ancillary equipment supporting the machining process. The automated systems utilize various automation products including 6-axis robots (fixed pedestal, floor track mount, and top loader), vision systems, marking systems, conveyors, etc. to automate the flow of material through Makino machining cells.


The Controls Engineer responsibilities include research, system design, programming, documentation, and troubleshooting of automated systems for assigned projects. The Controls Engineer must be able to communicate (both written and verbal) and work in a team with other engineers within the Project Engineering group as well as other Makino engineering groups, external resources, and customers to provide successful execution and completion of each project.



ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with multiple parties including Makino personnel, contract resources, suppliers, and customers from project inception to sign-off to maintain clear understanding of project scope and timeline.
• Create detailed specifications for interfaces with Makino equipment.
• Work with 3rd party suppliers of automated equipment during system design to verify intended functionality.
• Support Electrical Engineering Team with system design including component selection, IO strategy, and schematic drawings.
• Create and modify robot programming applications using appropriate software.
• Create and modify Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming applications using appropriate software.
• Create and modify Human Machine Interface (HMI) programming applications using appropriate software.
• Setup and test bar code and pattern match vision programming applications using appropriate software.
• Teach robot tool center points, user frames, and pick/place positions.
• Debug robot, PLC, HMI, and vision programs during system testing and commissioning to validate functionality, safety compliance, and robustness.
• Support Automation Support Engineering Team with system debug.
• Effectively communicate problems/issues to other engineers to and collaborate on solutions so that they are resolved in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Participate in risk assessments of automation equipment.
• Create User Manuals detailing system operation.
• Become familiar with new automation products and developments and provide recommendations for using innovative technology for applications when appropriate.

• Ability to work well in a dynamic environment as a team player and interact with peers, customers, and suppliers in a professional manner.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective verbal and written communications skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• General knowledge of United States and international standards including OSHA, ANSI, CE, ISO, RIA, NFPA, UL, etc.
• Understanding of power distribution and low voltage control circuits.
• Understanding of industrial safety devices including light curtains, laser scanners, etc.
• Ability to operate CNC machine tools and other equipment used in automated systems.
• Ability to read, create and modify electrical schematics using AutoCAD or similar CAD software.
• Ability to create and modify robot programs using appropriate software for Fanuc and/or ABB robots.
• Ability to create, modify, and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) applications using appropriate software for Allen-Bradley, Omron, and/or Mitsubishi PLCs.
• Ability to create and modify Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications using appropriate software for Allen-Bradley, Omron, and/or Mitsubishi HMIs.
• Ability to create and modify bar code and pattern match vision applications using appropriate software for Cognex and/or Keyence vision systems.
• Experience in troubleshooting issues and finding root cause by demonstrating strong analytical skills and ability to distill problems to engineering language and techniques.
• Proficient use of MS Office products such as Word, Excel, etc.
• Ability to travel (up to 50%). Valid passport required.

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or an Associate's degree with an emphasis on Industrial Automation is preferred. Others with relevant work experience may be considered.