Manufacturing Controls & Automation Engineer

Position:  Manufacturing Controls & Automation Engineer

Position: Manufacturing Controls & Automation Engineer

At Nexteer, our strength lies in the diversity of our team—each member contributing unique backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations. We believe this diversity fuels our innovation, broadens our perspectives, and propels our collective growth.

For over a century, we’ve been innovators in the automotive industry.  Our vision is clear - we are a global leading motion control technology company accelerating mobility to be safe, green and exciting. Our unwavering commitment to Quality, Collaboration, Integrity, and Accountability guides us as we solve motion control challenges for our global customers. If you’re ready to join a dynamic team that drives change and makes a difference, Nexteer welcomes you! 

About the Role:

Nexteer is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Controls & Automation Engineer to join the Global Core ME Team.  The Engineer will have responsibility to provide technical leadership for the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of advanced machine control, automation and digital transformation systems across global Nexteer Automotive facilities.

The successful candidate will work at the intersection of industrial automation, controls systems, manufacturing IT/OT systems, robotics, and emerging digital manufacturing and Ai technologies. This individual will develop and implement solutions that improve equipment flexibility, productivity, quality, traceability, safety, and digital manufacturing data for the current and future manufacturing environment. 

This position is located in Saginaw, Michigan, with travel expected based on business needs.

Key Responsibilities

As a Manufacturing Controls & Automation Engineer, you will be responsible to:

• Direct & approve machine controls systems designs on equipment including safety system implementation, motion control, automated systems, power distribution, PLC’s and Operator interfaces and digital transformation.
• Utilize and promote the use of emulation, virtual commissioning, digital twins, digital engineering and other Ai tools to reduce equipment development time and improve the quality of machine designs.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing IT/OT, Operations, and Engineering teams to support the architecture development of Nexteer’s digitization strategy, including MES, energy monitoring, APIs, and other digital manufacturing systems for real-time data collection, equipment monitoring, and manufacturing analytics.
• Support the development and implementation of Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing technologies that connect equipment, controls, manufacturing systems, and production data.
• Collaborate, provide technical direction and oversight with Nexteer global Manufacturing Engineering and other cross functional teams.
• Develop Controls Systems & Automation BOP solutions for Global Nexteer deployment.
• Develop and maintain at least one technical element area of expertise in Controls and Automation Engineering.
• Develop and maintain Nexteer global design standards and guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience with machine control systems and operator interfaces.
• Strong working knowledge of machine control and automation systems.
• Strong working knowledge of Rockwell Control Systems and Operator Interface Systems.
• Experience with AutoCAD or DraftSight.  Experience with EPlan a plus.
• Experience with API, MES and other manufacturing operation systems.
• Experience integrating motion control, robotic systems, mobile robots, and advanced automation systems.
• Working knowledge of pneumatic, hydraulic, and lubrication fluid power systems.
• Working knowledge of Industrial Machinery Standards (i.e. IEC, ISO, and ANSI).
• Experience with emulation, virtual commissioning, and digital twin creation is a plus.
• Experience with manufacturing data collection, SQL, databases and data integration technologies, equipment connectivity, IIoT, or Smart Manufacturing systems is a plus.
• Experience with Industry 4.0 technologies and connected manufacturing is a plus.
• Knowledge of industrial Ethernet and communication protocols is a plus.
• Understanding of IT/OT network architecture and cybersecurity principles is a plus.
• Experience with machine vision, advanced sensing, traceability, or automated inspection systems is a plus.
• Working knowledge of Fanuc Robot Integration, CNC Controls, and Siemens Controls Systems is a plus.

• Ability to evaluate emerging technologies, determine practical applications for manufacturing, and develop solutions for manufacturing engineering and operations.
• Ability to work across Controls Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing IT, and other cross-functional teams.
• Ability to communicate complex automation and digital manufacturing concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated interest in continuous improvement, automation, digital transformation, and the future of manufacturing.
• Strong interpersonal skills, enthusiastic attitude; willingness to learn and grow.
• High level of analytical ability where problems are unusual and difficult.
• Ability to simplify complex technical applications.
• High level of computer, oral and written skills.
• High level of organizational, time management and multi-tasking skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally based on business needs.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor of Science – Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology
• Advanced degree or relevant professional certification is preferred.

This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization. Do not apply for this role if you will need immigration sponsorship now or in the future. This includes direct company sponsorship, entry of Nexteer as the immigration employer of record on a government form, and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (e.g., H1-B, OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.)

Nexteer is an Equal Opportunity Employer Disabled/Minorities/Veterans/Women

Nexteer is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employees to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States.

Accessibility for Applicants with Disabilities: If you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability, please email careers@nexteer.com. Please provide your contact information and details about the posted position of interest. Only inquiries regarding assistance for those who need an accommodation with the online application process due to a disability will be returned.

About Nexteer

Nexteer Automotive is a global leader in advanced steering and motion control systems, enabling intuitive, safe, and comfortable mobility for drivers around the world. Our innovative product portfolio includes Electric Power Steering (EPS), Steer-by-Wire™, Driveline, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technologies that support electrification, software-defined vehicles, and autonomous driving.

With approximately 13,000 employees and operations in more than 20 manufacturing plants and multiple technical centers globally, Nexteer partners with nearly every major global and regional automotive manufacturer.

Employment Agencies 

Employment agencies are an important component of our talent acquisition strategy, and we value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. We will not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies for any employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Nexteer Automotive or directly to hiring managers in any form without a signed Nexteer Automotive Agency Agreement on file, and search engagement for that position, will be deemed unsolicited in nature, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired as a result of the referral or through other means. Additionally, any resume submitted without a contract in place will be considered Nexteer Automotive property and no fees will be paid to the agency if the candidate is hired. 

Please note, agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by a member of Nexteer’s Human Resources team.  No other Nexteer employee is authorized to bind Nexteer to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by an agency.