Controls Engineer

Founded in 1946, HI-LEX is a leading supplier of window regulators, door modules, power lift gate systems, and mechanical control cables primarily serving the automotive industry, but also the power sports, marine, construction equipment, and medical device sectors. Headquartered in Takarazuka, Japan (near Osaka), and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), HI-LEX employs more than 12,000 associates across its global footprint. 

In the Americas region, HI-LEX has grown steadily in the region, and now has ten (10) manufacturing facilities across the the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. In the U.S., HI-LEX operates under three divisions: HI-LEX America in Battle Creek, Michigan; HI-LEX Controls in Hudson, Litchfield, and Hazel Park, Michigan; and Daedong HI-LEX of America in Cusseta, Alabama. The company’s automotive center is in Rochester Hills, Michigan which consists of Finance, Sales, Engineering, Testing, Program Management, Human Resources, Purchasing and IT.

Position Summary

To develop, implement, manage, and track new process systems and improvements that significantly increase operational efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and robustly support production goals. This involves a comprehensive approach to identifying bottlenecks, designing innovative solutions, overseeing their successful integration, and continuously monitoring their performance to ensure sustained productivity gains and alignment with strategic objectives.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Design and specify electrical controls for the entire plant including, not limited to schematics and programming, but also to include implementation.
• Design and update PLC programs for all of the plant equipment.
• Provide support to manufacturing engineers and maintenance technicians for projects and preventive maintenance.
• Provide support directly or by consulting with all departments within the company regarding electrical and electrically related topics.
• Work with outside equipment suppliers and vendors to effectively communicate company standards and practices.
• Investigate and research new developments in the electronic / electrical technology fields, and provide interface back to the organization of potential applications.

Education

• 4 year degree in electrical engineering or electrical engineering technology or equivalent field OR equivalent work experience.

Functional Experience

• Knowledge of blueprints, process analysis and drafting terminology
• Knowledge of broad machine shop
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems.
• Knowledge of spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets).
• Knowledge of presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides).
• Knowledge of blueprints, process analysis and drafting terminology

Industry Experience

• 3+ years of experience in control design and programming

Core Competencies

• Problem solving abilities, strong analytical skills to identify issues and implement effective solutions
• Communication skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with team members and present findings to management.

Required Skills

• Technical skills, proficiency in manufacturing best practices, CAD preferred
• PLC Programming
• Electrical wiring and panel building

Other Requirements

• Ability to work independently
• Trusted to manage highly confidential and sensitive matters
• Must be reliable and have an excellent attendance record

Physical Requirements 

• Factory environment with noise from manufacturing processes.
• Exposure to moving equipment, parts, and electrical shock.  
• Possibly serious injury due to carelessness and around equipment.
• On occasion lifts, carries, or moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds, daily up to 25 pounds.