Controls Engineer

Job title: Controls Engineer

About the Role The Front End Manufacturing Technology team within Hand Tools develops and deploys next-generation manufacturing capabilities in automation, controls, connected equipment, data systems, machine learning, and AI-enabled manufacturing. This role partners with engineering, manufacturing, quality, IT, analytics, suppliers, and global sites to turn emerging technologies into scalable, reliable, high-impact solutions.

What You'll Do

• Lead manufacturing technology projects by providing technical direction, engineering expertise, and cross-functional coordination.
• Evaluate, pilot, and implement advanced manufacturing technologies (Industry 4.0, AI/ML, robotics, vision, sensors, and connected equipment) to improve cost, quality, throughput, safety, flexibility, and speed to market.
• Collaborate with AME, IT, Data & Analytics, Quality, operations, suppliers, and integrators to develop practical process, controls, data, and quality solutions.
• Apply automation and process knowledge across assembly, welding, part handling, material feeding, machine vision, robotics, motion control, and related production technologies; specify, integrate, debug, commission, and support automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, drives, vision, sensors, safety devices, laser systems, and material handling equipment).
• Develop Python scripts and applications for automation, data processing, equipment connectivity, and manufacturing analytics; build data pipelines from machine controls to enterprise systems for SPC, dashboards, and engineering insight.
• Translate machine data into control plans, closed-loop feedback opportunities, predictive quality models, and data-driven manufacturing decisions.
• Travel domestically and internationally for supplier, machine, technology, and concept evaluations (estimated 10%).

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Computer Engineering, or related discipline; 2+ years of experience in machine controls, automation design, programming, integration, and commissioning; PLC/HMI programming.
• Demonstrated experience with PLC/HMI programming, industrial automation, controls integration, and machine commissioning.
• Preferred experience with Industry 4.0, connected equipment, smart manufacturing, data analytics, Python, AI/ML concepts, or statistical process improvement.
• Preferred experience with industrial networking, edge computing, cloud-connected systems, historians, SQL, APIs, OPC-UA, MQTT, robotics, vision, motion control, safety systems, laser marking/welding, and assembly automation.
• Working knowledge of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, machine safety practices, and standards such as NFPA 70/79, UL 508, and CE.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Power BI, Visio, or similar project management and visualization tools.

Nice to Have

• Preferred experience with Industry 4.0, connected equipment, smart manufacturing, data analytics, Python, AI/ML concepts, or statistical process improvement.
• Preferred experience with industrial networking, edge computing, cloud-connected systems, historians, SQL, APIs, OPC-UA, MQTT, robotics, vision, motion control, safety systems, laser marking/welding, and assembly automation.
• Working knowledge of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, machine safety practices, and standards such as NFPA 70/79, UL 508, and CE.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary information not disclosed. Benefits not specified.