Controls Engineer

Department: Equipment Manufacturing
Reports to: Director of Controls Engineering

Position Summary

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the controls architecture, design, programming, implementation, and commissioning of laser-based processing systems for both external and internal customers.

Job Responsibilities

1. HMI and PLC controls design and programming of web, XYZ-Cartesian and robotic laser-based systems, including general automation as well as safety, on various control platforms. Ideally, Omron (Delta Tau) and Beckhoff. Must have substantial experience with high-level languages such as C# and structured text with a core understanding of OOP programming.
2. General commissioning of laser processing systems and commissioning of PCs for those systems, including loading and configuring component software, configuring networks, etc.
3. Generate detailed specifications, functional requirements, test plans, protocols and procedures.
4. Provide training to service technicians and customers on the setup, operation, and troubleshooting of the laser system.
5. Understand how to interface and control various manufacturers and series of lasers, e.g., LaserLine, IPG, Synrad, nLight, Pharos, Iradion, Coherent, Trumpf, etc
6. Motor sizing, primarily servo motors.
7. Implement, program, configure various Servo Drives (Kollmorgen, Yaskawa, Copley, Beckhoff, etc.)
8. Generate motion error budgets and implement compensation algorithms and tables for improved accuracy
9. Assist with service in troubleshooting customer laser systems, including remote login.
10. Travel to customer sites to assist in complicated installations and significant upgrades.
11. Support sales in quoting activities for laser control systems, including component selection and estimates of labor hours.
12. Assist in the generation of documentation for customer manuals.
13. Support the Service Department for systems in the field, including troubleshooting, upgrading control platforms, etc.
14. Direct, email, and phone communications with customers, component suppliers, company personnel, and contract personnel.

Hiring Qualifications

• A minimum 4-year Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Degree is required, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in an industrial motion control and systems environment.
• Demonstrated experience in the design and implementation of HMI/PLC-based control systems.
• Strong knowledge in the configuration of PCs (policies, user rights, networks, etc.)
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Familiarity with industrial field networks: Profinet, Ethernet IP, EtherCAT, Modbus, OPC, etc.
• General knowledge of general business software (Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Omron (Delta Tau Turbo & Power PMAC) and Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 Programming Environments.
• Understanding of the mechanical advantages and disadvantages of various motion systems, and specifying the type to implement.
  • Ball Screws, Class Types, Critical Speed, Pre-load, etc.
  • Rack and Pinion
  • Direct Drive and Linear Motor Systems
• Experience in industrial laser processing systems or deep industry experience.
• Knowledge of robotic programming, particularly Adept and Yaskawa.
• Knowledge of safety risk assessments

Physical Demands

• Repetitive back, wrist, arm, shoulder, elbow, and finger movements occur continuously.
• Extended hours of sitting and viewing a computer screen.
• Extended hours of phone and e-mail communication.

All Preco, LLC employees are empowered to stop production and notify their supervisor/manager if an unsafe act or product quality concern is occurring.  Also, each member of the Preco – Somerset team is responsible for identifying continuous improvement opportunities and participating in problem-solving teams as necessary