Sr Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer (Controls Engineer)

Job Title: Sr Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer (Controls Engineer) Job Location:

Culpeper, VA Job Code: 9276 Job Schedule: 9/80, every other Friday off. Our site near Culpeper, VA, in beautiful, rural Orange County (1.5 hours from Washington, DC) is growing This site is our center of excellence for Solid Rocket Motor Propulsion and Energetics development as well as high-complexity production programs. We are seeking a Sr Specialist Manufacturing Engineer (Controls Engineer) to join the team at our Culpeper, VA site.

Reporting directly to the Manager, Manufacturing Engineering, this position will work with the manufacturing and facility teams to develop, mature, and transition automation and PLC solutions to improve operations’ capabilities, effectiveness, and employee safety. This role will support developmental and production programs; and requires a motivated, self-starting individual with a passion for technical creativity and the ability to work with others to achieve results. The Controls Engineer will lead solutions through project management activities, requirement development, testing the automation, and transitioning the solution to the production team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS This position will specialize in developing controls solutions: 40% - Provides Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) support to lead processes controlled by PLC systems and to include trouble-shooting problems/issues and programming new applications for the control of manufacturing processes with PLC software using applicable language. Ability to read and generate PLC ladder logic diagrams (input modules, central processing unit, and output modules). 35% - Conceives and plans projects involving the development and application of controls/automation with input from Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Engineering, and Safety, Health & Environment (SH&E) representatives. Prepares and maintains detailed safe process instructions/planning by following established manufacturing and SH&E procedures.

Participates in proposal and pre-contract activities. 25% - Interface with internal/external suppliers and customers. Participate in preliminary and critical design reviews. Assist in preparing for and participate in process and manufacturing reviews.

Troubleshoot existing systems to resolve issues and recommend updates. Accurately report problems, solutions and results in concise written and oral communications. REQUIREMENTS Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical (preferred), Aerospace, Mechanical or Chemical Engineering plus 6 years of industrial work experience as a manufacturing engineer and/or as a PLC programmer (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). The preferred candidate will be comfortable working with limited instruction, collaborating with a variety of internal stakeholders to gather inputs and design solutions to achieve desired goals and objectives.

Must thrive on taking initiative. Works tactically while also steering projects and initiatives. Programming Control systems (PLC, HMI’s) is required Successful implementation of automation, robotics, or other operations/testing solutions required Demonstrated ability in manufacturing required Ability to interpret end item drawings, specifications, and requirements required Project management desired Working with 3rd party integrators desired Programming robotics is desired Developing statements of work and requirements definition is desired Experience with Lean Manufacturing principles and statistical process control tools desired Travel and Schedule: Travel will be required to support suppliers or other manufacturing sites (up to 25%). Occasional off-shift and weekend work may be required to support schedules.