Description
Ford Energy is a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company dedicated to accelerating U.S. energy independence. Leveraging Ford’s century of manufacturing excellence and world-class battery energy storage systems (BESS) technology, Ford Energy designs, manufactures, and services grid-scale and commercial DC battery energy storage systems (BESS).
As a Controls Engineer, you will be on the ground floor launching a state-of-the-art BESS manufacturing facility in Glendale, Kentucky. As a key member of our start-up team, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help build and program the automated systems that bring next-generation energy storage products to the grid.
Responsibilities
- Program, modify, and troubleshoot machinery utilizing Siemens (SP700), Omron, or other PLC programming software and HMI screens.
- Manage the interaction between servo systems, frequency conversion systems, and upper-level computers; configure parameters appropriately for varying production loads.
- Support and troubleshoot robotic systems (such as Fanuc), including robot programming and integration with other automation systems.
- Lead fault analysis and root cause identification for complex automation issues to prevent recurrence; identify and rectify electrical component faults.
- Establish preventive maintenance plans for equipment and electrical/controls aspects, and mentor/train technicians to enhance the team's overall competence.
- Support feasibility on product design changes and lead modifications, model code updates, and program backups for automation.
Leadership – Culture
- Regularly engage on the floor to monitor automation health, listen to technicians, and solve problems where the work happens.
- Use Andon data to prioritize efforts to achieve 100% flow; lead Six Sigma project teams focused on efficiency, quality, and reliability.
- Act as a liaison with IT on IT/Controls interface issues and work with Manufacturing Engineering to ensure efficient installation and validation of new equipment.
- Demonstrate leadership behaviors combined with outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ensure adherence to the Ford Production System (FPS) and Safety Operating System practices to achieve zero injuries.
Strategic – Reliability
- Provide input on new equipment design and controls architecture as the site builds out battery cell and BESS assembly capacity.
- Support new model and equipment launches as required.
- Report out on key metrics around automation performance and equipment reliability.
Capabilities for Success
- Resilient Problem Solver: Able to troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues to identify root cause quickly.
- Self-Starter: Takes ownership of projects and drives them to completion with limited supervision.
- Strong Communicator: Bridges the gap between shop floor technicians and corporate engineering teams.
- Agile Mindset: Comfortable working across shifts and navigating the ambiguity of a startup manufacturing environment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering required
- Maintenance experience, including internships, with the ability to optimize equipment programs and troubleshoot to root cause.
- Flexibility to support business needs by working across various shifts
- Domestic and international travel may be required
Benefits
- Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
- Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, subsidized back-up child care and more
- Family building benefits including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility treatments, and more
- Vehicle discount program for employees and family members and management leases
- Tuition assistance
- Established and active employee resource groups
- Paid time off for individual and team community service
- A generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.