Controls Engineer- Riverside, MO, USA
Adient · Riverside, MO
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Degree
- Preferred
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Automotive
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Adient (automotive) in Riverside, MO. Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree preferred
- Tools it names
- Lean, Kaizen, Root cause, FMEA, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
How this role compares
Against 14 other live controls postings in Missouri.
- Experience asked
- Typical (5+ years)
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ PLC 80%
- ✓ Automation 73%
- ✓ Root cause 47%
- ✓ Robotics 40%
- ✓ Lean 33%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 33%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Kaizen, which few similar roles mention. If you have it, lead with it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Adient
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Adient in Riverside
2 other open roles at this site.
- Automation Engineer- Riverside, MO, USA · Controls
- Quality Engineer- Riverside, MO, USA · Quality
Full description from AdientAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Job Summary
The Controls & Automation Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing automation and control systems that support the manufacturing and assembly of automotive seating and overhead systems. This role plays a key part in improving equipment reliability, productivity, quality, and operational efficiency through the implementation and support of advanced automation technologies.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, industrial automation systems, process improvement initiatives, and manufacturing equipment integration within a fast-paced production environment.
Responsibilities
- ◆Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
- ◆Diagnose and resolve issues related to PLC hardware, software, communications, and networked devices.
- ◆Develop, modify, and optimize PLC programs to improve machine performance and reliability.
- ◆Troubleshoot ControlLogix processors, ladder logic, structured text, and data handling functions.
- ◆Maintain PLC documentation, version control, and backup systems.
- ◆Support Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), industrial networks, and connected automation devices.
- ◆Configure and troubleshoot:HMIs Barcode scanners Remote I/O systems Sensors and vision systems Relays and contactors Solenoids and pneumatic controls Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) Servo systems and motion controls Industrial Ethernet networks
- ◆Support automation projects involving machine integration, process automation, robotics, and material handling systems.
- ◆Assist in commissioning and startup activities for new automated equipment.
- ◆Collaborate with equipment suppliers and integrators during system implementation and troubleshooting.
- ◆Apply electrical, instrumentation, and controls engineering principles to maintain and improve production systems.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The
requirements
listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required.
Education & Experience
- ✓Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
- ✓Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or related discipline considered with relevant experience.
- ✓Minimum of 4-5 years of experience in Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related industrial environment.
- ✓Experience supporting automated production equipment in automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
- ✓Experience with equipment startups, process improvements, and automation projects.
- ✓Demonstrated experience troubleshooting complex manufacturing systems and reducing equipment downtime.
Required
- ✓Allen-Bradley PLC platforms
- ✓Studio 5000
- ✓ControlLogix systems
- ✓PLC programming, troubleshooting, and diagnostics
- ✓Electrical troubleshooting and controls systems support
- ✓Industrial automation equipment and manufacturing processes
- ✓Reading and interpreting electrical schematics and controls drawings
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Continuous Improvement & Quality
- •Participate in PFMEA development and risk assessment activities.
- •Support Kaizen events, Lean Manufacturing initiatives, and continuous improvement projects.
- •Identify opportunities to improve equipment efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality through automation solutions.
- •Develop and implement error-proofing (Poka-Yoke) systems and automated quality controls.
- •Participate in 8D problem-solving and root cause analysis activities.
- •Investigate process abnormalities and implement corrective and preventive actions.
- •Support data collection and analysis initiatives to drive operational improvements.
Engineering & Process Support
- •Evaluate the impact of engineering changes on manufacturing processes and automation systems.
- •Assist with equipment specifications, controls architecture reviews, and system design discussions.
- •Review electrical schematics, controls drawings, and control system documentation.
- •Support new equipment installations, equipment upgrades, and production line launches.
- •Work closely with manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to improve process performance.
- •Assist in equipment validation and commissioning activities.
Controls & Automation
Maintenance & Technical Support
- •Provide technical support to maintenance personnel during equipment troubleshooting activities.
- •Assist with troubleshooting pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and automation-related equipment issues.
- •Develop and maintain preventive maintenance procedures for automation and controls systems.
- •Support emergency troubleshooting efforts to minimize production downtime.
- •Train maintenance and production personnel on automation systems and equipment operation when required.
Preferred
- +FactoryTalk View SE/ME
- +Servo and motion control systems
- +Vision inspection systems
- +Robotics (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa, or similar)
- +VFDs and motor control systems
- +Industrial networking (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, Profinet)
- +Automated assembly equipment
- +Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing technologies
- +SQL, manufacturing data collection, or SCADA systems
Key Competencies
- •Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills
- •Root cause analysis and problem-solving expertise
- •Continuous improvement mindset
- •Effective communication and teamwork
- •Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- •Project management and automation implementation experience
- •Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and quality
Primary location
Riverside MO