Lead Automation Engineer
Who We Are:
Challenge’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations.
Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success!
Together we own Safety! Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!
Who We Want:
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in industrial automation, with a focus on PLC systems, communications architecture, and integration with robotics and databases in Ignition Platform. This person must be capable of collaborating with cross-functional teams and factory managers. The successful candidate will have knowledge in manufacturing assembly systems, a deep understanding of mechatronics, as well as exceptional interpersonal, organizational and management skills, demonstrating the ability to be an innovator and change agent.
What You’ll Do:
Generate, maintain and document company standards for:
- HMI programs Panel View and Ignition
- PLC programs for robots, servos, drives, vision systems using AOIs and UDTs
- Electrical schematics
Lead controls design, review and buyoffs for new equipment
Lead continuous improvement projects.
Support and mentor production for:
- troubleshooting difficult equipment failures
- projects and installations
- optimization of automated lines.
When and Where:
This will be a M-F 8am - 5pm position located at our Plant in Walker, MI.
What You Need to Have:
- 7+ years of experience as a hands-on Automation & Control Engineer or Robotics Engineer working on automation and/or electromechanical systems.
- Must be proficient in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and configuration. Allen-Bradley platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix) required.
- Must be proficient in HMI programming, troubleshooting, and configuration. Allen-Bradley FactoryTalk View & Ignition SCADA are preferred.
- Experience with robot programming (Fanuc, ABB), backup, and restoration.
- Is a Plus with vision systems (Keyence, Banner, Cognex, Datalogic, Fanuc Vision).
- Is a Plus with AutoCAD Electrical for developing electrical schematics.
- Is a Plus deploying equipment to high volume manufacturing.
- Experience presenting technical programs with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
What We Offer:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions, Flexible Spending Accounts, company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life, Voluntary Life and LTD, Employer 401k Match, ESOP shares, tuition reimbursement, Referral Bonus Program, Challenge Incentive Program, and paid time off.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
