Controls Engineer
Dana · Louisville, KY
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 4+ years
- Industry
- Automotive
- Posted
- 6 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Dana (automotive) in Louisville, KY. To work with engineering and maintenance to offer solutions using hardware and software design to improve plant safety, increase productivity, improve quality, and decrease scrap.
- They ask for
- 4+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma, Root cause, Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), PLC, Robotics
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in Kentucky: typical posted base $90k–$145k.
Median of the low and high ends of 4 live postings that list pay, out of 16 controls engineer openings in Kentucky, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Kentucky plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 15 other live controls postings in Kentucky.
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (4+ vs 5+)
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ PLC 81%
- ✓ Robotics 81%
- ✓ Automation 75%
- ✓ Root cause 44%
- ✓ Validation (IQ/OQ/PQ) 31%
- Team leadership 25%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
Stands out: this posting asks for Cost reduction, 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 Dana
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: Dana in Louisville
2 other open roles at this site.
- Weld Engineer · Manufacturing
- Maintenance Tech Tier II · Reliability · Technician
Full description from DanaAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
- ◆To be proficient in the use of PLC (programmable logic controllers). This includes troubleshooting, programming and documentation of PLC control programs. Proficiency required with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC's.
- ◆Proficient with the use of robotics. This includes troubleshooting, teaching and programming of robotic programs. Proficiency required with FANUC and ABB Systems.
- ◆Knowledge of miscellaneous production systems, such as HMI’s, bar code readers, vision systems, etc…
- ◆Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems (including automation control, AC and DC drives, mechanical drives and systems, sensors, and motor controls).
- ◆To work with engineering and maintenance to offer solutions using hardware and software design to improve plant safety, increase productivity, improve quality, and decrease scrap.
- ◆To collaborate with other functions to ensure project objectives are met on both modifications of existing equipment and installation of new equipment.
- ◆Work with outside vendors to aid in successful project completion. Communicate all vendor visits and outcome to the maintenance manager.
- ◆Must be capable of drawing PLC, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic prints.
- ◆Develop and improve production workflows, layouts, and utilization of equipment to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
- ◆Provide technical support to resolve process-related issues, equipment malfunctions, and quality concerns on the shop floor.
- ◆Apply lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to drive process improvements and cost savings.
- ◆Work with engineering, quality, and production teams to integrate new products into manufacturing, including tooling, process validation, and documentation.
- ◆Ensure all manufacturing processes meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
- ◆Maintain accurate documentation including work instructions, process flows, and engineering change notices.
Qualifications
- ✓Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of applicable experience
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving two primary markets – passenger vehicle and commercial truck equipment – Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.
Job Purpose
The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality production within an automotive environment. This role supports continuous improvement initiatives, resolves production issues, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to introduce new products and technologies. The Controls Engineer ensures that all processes comply with safety, environmental, and industry standards while driving operational excellence.
Skills
- •Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing systems, process engineering, and industrial automation.
- •Ability to analyze data, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions in a dynamic production environment.
- •Capable of managing multiple engineering projects, coordinating resources, and meeting deadlines.
- •Excellent communication skills to work effectively with production, quality, maintenance, and leadership teams.
Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters
Please note that as per Dana policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters were engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Dana will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.