Controls Engineer - SRC Automotive

SRC Automotive, Inc. is a leader in the remanufacturing of engines used in the Automotive, Marine, Natural Gas & Oil and Power Systems industries. 

At SRC, we do things differently. Our employee-owners take pride in understanding how their work impacts the success of the business. Their technical expertise—combined with the mindset of ownership—has helped build a culture focused on continuous improvement, innovation, and teamwork.

Controls & Manufacturing Engineer

Our Controls Engineer is responsible for improving manufacturing performance through the design, implementation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated equipment and control systems. This position serves as a technical resource for manufacturing operations, with particular emphasis on PLC controls, robotics, automation, machine integration, process reliability, and equipment performance.

This position will work closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and equipment suppliers to increase equipment uptime, improve safety and quality, reduce manufacturing costs, and support new equipment and process launches.

Controls & Automation

•  Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based control systems and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Support installation, commissioning, validation, and startup of new equipment and automation.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual operations where improvements in safety, quality, productivity, or cost can be demonstrated.
• Develops and maintains Python-based scripts and applications to automate engineering tasks, collect and analyze production data, interface with manufacturing equipment, and improve process monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Supports the programming, integration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment and automation systems.
• Uses 3D printing/additive manufacturing to rapidly develop prototypes, fixtures, gauges, tooling, and other manufacturing aids; evaluates appropriate materials and printing methods for production applications.
• Integrates, configures, and troubleshoots machine vision systems for inspection, measurement, error-proofing, part identification, and automated process control.

Manufacturing Engineering

• Participates in decisions regarding the manufacturability of and production of new product lines.
• Work with Production, Sales, and Materials to establish and revise production standards.
• Responsible for reviewing and improving facility layout and product flow.
• Assist maintenance with machine/tool installation.
• Sets up new equipment and ensures its satisfactory operation.
• Trains production personnel on new equipment operation and process.
• Participates in root-cause analysis and corrective-action activities.
• Recommends and implements new processes, controls, and manufacturing methods
• Stays informed concerning new manufacturing technology and equipment, and investigates their potential applications. Recommends incorporation of new technology for company applications where feasible and practical.
• Follows engineering process to maintain IATF 16949:2016 certification and other quality standards.
• Assists the Capital Budgeting process and evaluates new and potential capital equipment.
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in both an office setting and a manufacturing environment. Regular exposure to machining equipment, moving mechanical parts, noise, and varying temperatures should be expected.

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, bend, reach, climb, and use hands to handle tools and equipment. The employee will work both at a computer workstation and on the manufacturing floor throughout the day and must be able to occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.

WHO YOU ARE:

As an employee-owner, you bring a collaborative mindset, strong work ethic, and commitment to continuous improvement. You take ownership of your work, communicate effectively, and enjoy solving problems in a team environment.

Other qualifications include:

• BS/BA in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology or related discipline.
• Five (5) years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering or Product Development.
• Five (5) years of Manufacturing experience
• Working knowledge of PLC programming and industrial control systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and controls systems using schematics, PLC logic, diagnostic tools, and structured problem-solving techniques.
• Knowledgeable concerning mechanical principles, machining practices, the properties of metals, and the application of mathematics and dimensions to production machinery and tooling.
• Able to mentally visualize and comprehend all aspects of a manufacturing equipment or tooling problem, understand the interrelationships of factors affecting a given situation, and be attentive to detail.
• Capable of efficiently integrating existing methods with new innovations to economically solve production problems in a timely manner.
• Experience working within a Quality System; IATF 16949:2016 preferred
• Strong technical knowledge of Marine and Automotive powertrain products.
• Experience in product flow, plant layout, assembly/machining equipment and continuous improvement systems.
• Experience with Python programming for manufacturing automation, data acquisition, data analysis, equipment communication, or engineering productivity tools.
• Hands-on experience with 3D printing/additive manufacturing for prototyping, fixtures, gauges, tooling, or production support applications.
• Experience with industrial machine vision systems, including camera, lighting, lens, inspection-tool setup, integration, calibration, and troubleshooting.
• Computer literacy/experience required. Must be proficient in Windows environments. Working knowledge of word processing, PowerPoint, spreadsheets, e-mail, and Web-enabled applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Must have the ability to multi-task by balancing/prioritizing 5-10 projects/cases at any given time.
• Requires effective relationship management skills with co-workers in a team environment and with customers/prospects in an engineering sales and support context.
• Requires effective time management skills, personal conduct, and change management abilities.
• Requires the desire to expand personal competencies and capabilities through training and education.

Why SRC?

• Competitive compensation package with opportunity for growth in your career; promotion from within opportunities available
• Affordable and comprehensive insurance on your 61st day of employment
• Bonus opportunity up to 13% based on financial goals of the company
• Paid Time Off Program and 11 paid Holidays
• 5% 401(k) match
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• 100% Tuition Reimbursement
• Fitness Center and Wellness Program with free mental health resources

Employee-owners first, manufacturers second
We believe the best way to operate is to educate everyone on how the business works, give them a voice in saying how the company is run and provide them a stake in the financial outcome, good or bad. 
We do this by creating a business of businesspeople who think, act and feel like owners through education, empowerment and engagement. It’s all part of our open-book management system, The Great Game of Business®.

If you are interested in joining our team, we would love to hear from you! Please submit an application and our HR team will reach out to you.

Location: 4431 W. Calhoun, Springfield, MO 65802