Job Description
Job Description
POSITION TITLE: Senior Controls and Automation Engineer
DEPARTMENT: Engineering
REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager
LOCATION: Viola
JOB SUMMARY:
A Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to design, build, and support custom automated test equipment, manufacturing systems, and embedded control solutions for powertrain development and production support.This role bridges industrial automation, embedded hardware/firmware, and system integration, supporting everything from robotic test cells and PLC-controlled machinery to ECU-integrated embedded devices and Windows-based engineering tools.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer comfortable working across electrical design, firmware, PLCs, robotics, HMIs, and on-site commissioning of one-off and low-volume systems
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Industrial Automation & Controls
- Design, modify, and maintain automated test stands, endurance systems, and manufacturing equipment
- Program and troubleshoot PLCs and HMIs for presses, test fixtures, and special-purpose machinery
- Integrate industrial robots with presses and test systems, including interlocks and safety logic
- Retrofit and modernize legacy equipment where original electronics or controls are obsolete
- Support and repair custom, one-off automation equipment used in engineering and manufacturing
Embedded Hardware & Firmware
- Design custom embedded control hardware for test systems and product prototypes
- Develop firmware in C/C++ for microcontroller-based controllers
- Implement CAN bus communication with ECUs and vehicle subsystems
- Create embedded solutions for sensors, actuators, motor control, and data acquisition
- Support prototype development through testing, iteration, and limited production readiness
Test Systems & Instrumentation
- Develop automated engine and motorcycle test systems for endurance, EPA mileage accumulation, and performance testing
- Build systems for dyno automation, robotic control, and long-duration unattended operation
- Integrate sensors, cameras, and data acquisition hardware for mechanical and powertrain analysis
- Develop data visualization and processing tools for test and lab environments
Software & Interfaces
- Develop Windows-based engineering and test applications (Visual Studio / C#)
- Interface off-the-shelf HMIs and custom hardware for operator control and remote monitoring
- Support configuration and calibration tools for embedded and test systems
ECU & System Integration
- Integrate and interface with automotive ECUs, including CAN messaging and control features
- Support ECU feature development and experimentation for R&D projects
- Work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to support powertrain development
- Reverse engineer CAN bus data in order to interface various ECUs with custom test equipment
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience
- 5+ years experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or custom machinery
- Strong experience with:
- PLC programming and industrial I/O
- Embedded firmware development (C/C++)
- Electrical schematics and hardware design, PCB layout.
- Sensors, actuators, motors, VFDs, and safety circuits
- Hands-on experience commissioning and troubleshooting machines in real-world environments
Job Description
POSITION TITLE: Senior Controls and Automation Engineer
DEPARTMENT: Engineering
REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager
LOCATION: Viola
JOB SUMMARY:
A Senior Controls & Automation Engineer to design, build, and support custom automated test equipment, manufacturing systems, and embedded control solutions for powertrain development and production support.This role bridges industrial automation, embedded hardware/firmware, and system integration, supporting everything from robotic test cells and PLC-controlled machinery to ECU-integrated embedded devices and Windows-based engineering tools.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer comfortable working across electrical design, firmware, PLCs, robotics, HMIs, and on-site commissioning of one-off and low-volume systems
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Industrial Automation & Controls
- Design, modify, and maintain automated test stands, endurance systems, and manufacturing equipment
- Program and troubleshoot PLCs and HMIs for presses, test fixtures, and special-purpose machinery
- Integrate industrial robots with presses and test systems, including interlocks and safety logic
- Retrofit and modernize legacy equipment where original electronics or controls are obsolete
- Support and repair custom, one-off automation equipment used in engineering and manufacturing
Embedded Hardware & Firmware
- Design custom embedded control hardware for test systems and product prototypes
- Develop firmware in C/C++ for microcontroller-based controllers
- Implement CAN bus communication with ECUs and vehicle subsystems
- Create embedded solutions for sensors, actuators, motor control, and data acquisition
- Support prototype development through testing, iteration, and limited production readiness
Test Systems & Instrumentation
- Develop automated engine and motorcycle test systems for endurance, EPA mileage accumulation, and performance testing
- Build systems for dyno automation, robotic control, and long-duration unattended operation
- Integrate sensors, cameras, and data acquisition hardware for mechanical and powertrain analysis
- Develop data visualization and processing tools for test and lab environments
Software & Interfaces
- Develop Windows-based engineering and test applications (Visual Studio / C#)
- Interface off-the-shelf HMIs and custom hardware for operator control and remote monitoring
- Support configuration and calibration tools for embedded and test systems
ECU & System Integration
- Integrate and interface with automotive ECUs, including CAN messaging and control features
- Support ECU feature development and experimentation for R&D projects
- Work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to support powertrain development
- Reverse engineer CAN bus data in order to interface various ECUs with custom test equipment
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience
- 5+ years experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or custom machinery
- Strong experience with:
- PLC programming and industrial I/O
- Embedded firmware development (C/C++)
- Electrical schematics and hardware design, PCB layout.
- Sensors, actuators, motors, VFDs, and safety circuits
- Hands-on experience commissioning and troubleshooting machines in real-world environments
Senior Controls and Automation Engineer in viola at Unknown Company
This position is listed as full time and able to be worked remotely.