Automation and Controls Process Engineer

Automation and Controls Process Engineer

Location: Gainesville, GA (Onsite) | Schedule: Full-time, 07:30 am – 04:30 pm | Reports to: Business Unit Manager

A day in the life

At 7:30 am, you’re on the production floor, laptop in hand, walking the four automated assembly lines you steward. Alarms? You triage quickly, trace signals through Siemens PLC logic (STL), and step into a robot cell to reteach a point on a Motoman or KUKA arm. A sensor misread? You verify the machine vision settings, validate 24V DC I/O, and chase a nuisance trip on a 480V AC drive. By late morning, you’re commissioning a measuring system after refining process parameters and updating work instructions. After lunch, you review an 8D with Quality, unpack a customer complaint to root cause, and launch a data-driven DOE to lock in capability. You wrap the day drafting an automation concept for a new molding application, aligning with Industrial Engineering and planning the acceptance test.

About IMS Gear

For over 160 years, IMS Gear has grown on customer focus, practical problem-solving, and an open culture with flat hierarchies. Headquartered in Donaueschingen, Germany, we operate worldwide with approximately 3,600 employees across Europe, North America, and Asia.

What you will own

• Lead capability analyses for machines and processes; drive improvements based on findings.
• Support FMEA, APQP, and Control Plan creation and reviews.
• Recommend capital and indirect investment opportunities with clear business cases.
• Plan and execute complex equipment commissioning and acceptance activities.
• Source released suppliers for indirect materials; request and evaluate quotations in coordination with suppliers.
• Define critical process parameters and ensure ongoing adherence.
• Create and revise detailed work instructions.
• Develop automation concepts; support new program industrialization with Industrial Engineering and implement solutions.
• Prepare, assess, and coordinate complex solution concepts from idea to execution.
• Perform feasibility studies on machine/electrical layouts and functions; select or modify components as needed.
• Design and build smaller, complex process solutions.
• Constructively modify and extend existing processes, functions, and equipment.
• Commission processes and metrology systems to release.
• Program machine controls and teach robots.
• Ensure equipment safety; design and run preliminary tests, feasibility studies, and specifications.
• Identify and realize cost-saving opportunities.
• Launch and implement process optimization initiatives, including partial process solutions and manufacturing changes.
• Participate in internal and external 8D activities; analyze complex alarms and eliminate root causes.
• Maintain automation maintenance histories and share learnings via SharePoint.
• Provide cross-business unit support for complex process changes and troubleshooting.
• Determine complaint root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Plan spare part strategies and initiate purchases.
• Train operators and technicians on equipment; create training materials.
• Mentor interns and bachelor’s students.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 14001, EHS, compliance policies, and company/BU standards.
• Initiate data-driven, statistically designed experiments to improve quality, reduce cost, enhance safety, and increase earnings.
• Support Quality in verifying process parameters and monitoring quality-related devices.
• Be available for on-call support as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 3+ years of relevant experience, or an Associate’s degree with 5+ years relevant experience.

Technical toolkit

• Expertise with Siemens PLCs in STL.
• Hands-on experience with Motoman Yaskawa and KUKA robots.
• CAD proficiency (CREO preferred).
• Working knowledge of servo drives.
• Ability to troubleshoot 24V DC; 110V, 230V, 400V, and 480V AC systems and components.
• Capable of integrating automation hardware on the shop floor.
• Strong documentation and problem-solving abilities.

You’re proficient in

• PLC troubleshooting
• Electrical troubleshooting
• Industrial robot programming
• PLC programming
• Programming machine vision systems

Benefits

• 401(k) with company match
• Health, Dental, Medical, and Vision insurance
• Company-paid Life insurance
• Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• 15 days of paid time off and 10 paid holidays

Work environment

• Exposure to manufacturing areas requiring PPE such as safety glasses, hearing protection, and slip-resistant safety toe shoes.

*This position is not eligible for sponsorship at this time

IMS Gear is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We embrace individuals from all backgrounds and provide employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Ready to make an impact?

If you’re excited to solve complex automation challenges and create reliable, cost-effective processes, we’d love to meet you. Apply today and experience your own wow moments with IMS Gear.