Controls Engineer at Adient

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking a Controls Engineer to design, maintain, and optimize automation and control systems that power our automotive seating production. In this role, you’ll be a key driver of operational efficiency, reliability, and innovation; ensuring that our production equipment runs smoothly and supporting continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Partner with the maintenance team to troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues, including PLC ladder logic and data handling in Control Logix processors.

• Maintain and update PLC documentation, programs, and machine control drawings across the facility.

• Troubleshoot, repair, and enhance automated systems—covering devices, I/O, instruments, sensors, and other components critical to production and safety goals.

• Support and maintain I/O devices connected to PLCs (HMIs, scanners, remote I/O, sensors, relays, solenoids, servo drives, etc.), and assist maintenance staff with pneumatic circuit troubleshooting.

• Drive equipment uptime and contribute to plant-wide reliability and preventive maintenance strategies.

• Perform scheduled backups of machine control and robotic programs, and maintain effective Preventive Maintenance Programs.

• Diagnose and resolve issues in hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems integrated with electrical/electronic controls.

• Apply advanced knowledge of electronics and instrumentation to restore equipment to operation quickly and effectively.

• Develop and implement plant-floor data collection systems for improved visibility and decision-making.

• Engineer and deploy error-proofing systems that enhance quality and consistency in production.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary plant teams to identify and execute continuous improvement strategies.

• Assess and plan for process impacts resulting from engineering or launch changes.

• Participate in structured root-cause analysis (8D or similar) to resolve abnormalities at their source.

• Provide input on equipment purchases, including reviewing and advising on control system designs before build approval.

• Complete all required training as designated by Adient and its customers.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field; equivalent hands-on experience will also be considered.

• 2–3 years of experience in a manufacturing environment with a strong focus on PLC programming and troubleshooting.

• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLCs (required); experience with other PLC platforms is a plus.

• Hands-on experience with robotics, vision systems, and DC torque tools is highly desirable.

• Prior exposure to automotive manufacturing and Just-In-Time (JIT) systems is highly preferred.

• Ability to work the 2nd shift schedule: Monday – Friday, 4:30 PM – 2:30 AM.

PRIMARY LOCATION