Controls/Automation Engineer

This position is responsible for supporting the manufacturing and commercialization of new and current golf ball products in a timely, efficient manner, and in accordance with the Master Schedule. Additionally, they will be tasked with making improvements to the technical process that positively impact cost, quality, speed, agility, and consistency. These improvements will be conducted via utilization of statistical methodologies to benchmark processes and products and to subsequently reduce variation in these processes. This position will also require the ability to direct, communicate with, and utilize technicians and engineers as needed.

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities:

• Act as the process owner and subject matter expert for global visual technology processes.
• Work with the global TMG golf ball teams for best practices, standardization, reliability, and cohesiveness.
• Conduct root cause analysis and predictive/reactive changes to equipment that will systematically increase throughput, uptime, and reliability.
• Maintain a complete and thorough understanding of FAT and SAT protocols and procedures. Ability to contribute with knowledgeable input to ensure best possible outcome.
• Ability to identify as a global change agent for golf ball visual technology to align all teams involved.
• Assist member(s) of the Manufacturing Engineering team, utilizing specialty skills (PLC, CAD, Machinery operation/maintenance, Process, Analysis, CNC, SPC) to conduct a wide variety of projects and complex tasks in the creation/production of new processes, machines, fixturing and/or tooling for the manufacturing environment.
• Be an expert in PLC, Controls, and industrial electronics technology; use this expertise to improve current machine controls and specify new equipment controls for future designs.
• Direct a maintenance and technical team; train individuals at varying levels of technical ability to troubleshoot PLC code, software, Sequential Flow Charting (SFC), Instruction List (IL), Structured Text (ST), and ladder logic design.
• Assess current machine condition(s) with applicable software to establish a baseline of performance; design and implement an improvement plan with measurable, documented results
• Create, manage and maintain a TaylorMade (TM) database of all current and archived proprietary machine software, revisions, machine code(s) for manufacturing, drawings, etc.
• Work closely with the current 3PL maintenance manager to improve the reliability of current machinery assets as well as specifying design improvements to future assets.
• Assist in establishing and refining a controls section for a machine delivery specification for the procurement of new equipment.
• Communicate with outside vendors to clarify specifications, and coordinate and track projects as needed.
• Conceptualize new designs (material, mechanism, processing) and concepts.
• Perform other related duties and assignments as required.

Knowledge and Skills Requirements:

• Fluent in problem solving processes (DOE, 8D, Ishikawa, Lean Manufacturing, FMEA, Kepner Tregoe)
• Ability to work with TM Legal Team as needed to document and patent any new technology where business needs deem it as applicable and/or necessary.
• Intermediate experience in advanced Quality Techniques (Six Sigma and/or Shainin, SPC) preferred.
• Ability to present/communicate data, approach, method, and schedule with global stakeholders.
• Extensive knowledge of sensors and current automation technology.
• Expert in Fanuc robotics, as well as intermediate experience in Epson.
• High level understanding of vision applications and programming, with the ability to modify programs to remain in line with quality standards. Extensive knowledge of Cognex, ViDi, Keyence systems preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of Allen Bradley (A-B) controls, Studio 5000, Machine Viewer, SLC 500 Series, RsLinx, A-B Panel Builder and communication protocol. Ability to connect and troubleshoot additional Mitsubishi and Omron PLC systems preferred. Beckhoff PLC experience is a plus.
• Knowledge and ability to work with IT in cloud-based systems to push/pull data for custom KPI reporting on production metrics.
• Must have expert experience in custom machinery concepting, design, fabrication, and installation with successful runoff and OEE measurement(s)
• Strong communication skills: Must be fluent in English (written and oral), have excellent interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization (e.g. marketing, sales, engineering, production, tour players).
• Demonstrated ability to work in team environment with willingness to question status quo and demonstrate why proposed change offers an improvement.
• Knowledge of manufacturing methods of golf products.
• Demonstrated technical problem solving/creative thinking ability.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite of applications.

Education, Work Experience, and Professional Certifications:

• 5 years of related manufacturing experience required.
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related degree required.
• Experience with automotive applications (Toyota Production System) is a plus.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements:

• Normal office conditions with extensive computer and phone usage.
• Frequent manufacturing environment, with exposure to noise, dirt, dust and fumes.
• Ability to work extended hours as necessary.
• Able to work efficiently and accurately in an atmosphere of frequent interruption.
• Light physical effort equal to frequent lifting or moving of lightweight materials.
• Some domestic/international travel required (up to 20%)

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TaylorMade Golf Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance, or regulation.