Controls Engineer

at  Finn Corporation

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 4-year college degree in Electrical, Computer, or Software Engineering with a minimum of three years of related experience
• Or, two or four-year college degree in another discipline with a minimum of seven years of related experience.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Experience in mobile, construction, or agricultural equipment industry preferred.
• Practical experience in structured text programming (C, C++, CODESYS).
• Experience with the design, development, and documentation of Human-Machine Interface (HMI), Virtual Instrument components and controls, and telematics devices.
• Strong ability to understand customer needs and incorporate into function of machine.
• Ability to analyze, develop and write specifications that direct software code development.
• Adept in developing electronic/hydraulic/mechanical control systems.
• Knowledge of control system theory and applications. Strong preference for experience in the control system design for off road vehicles, CAN and J1939 protocols.
• Familiarity with mobile hydraulic systems and components.
• Proficient in describing control system requirements using a variety of methods and tools, including visual modeling tools, control diagrams, schematics and drawings.
• Ability to provide informative and professional assistance when working with the public/customers and co-workers and maintain positive interpersonal relationships which encourage openness.
• Ability to provide accurate, professional, and error-free documents in a timely manner.
• Ability to work effectively in complex situations and critical deadlines.
• Able to effectively work collaboratively, and cross-functionally, with sales, production and the executive level, to communicate and resolve complex issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio.
• Proficient with product design tools including AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor Cable & Harness, Autodesk Vault

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Critical features of this job are described under the headings above. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor. Furthermore, this does not establish a contract for employment and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.

JOB PURPOSE

The Controls Engineers are responsible for the design and development of the machine control systems on our specialized mobile equipment. This includes the programming of mobile controllers and HMI’s for control of internal combustion engines, hydraulics, and electric motors. Controls Engineers coordinate machine controls development, engineering specification reviews, engineering cost estimates, development schedules, and support testing. They also work on supplier quality issues, production and field troubleshooting, and sustaining engineering changes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNED)

• Develop, debug, and test software for machine-based controls. Create and maintain software documentation for engineering, production, and field service use.
• Establish control system development plans, including Statements of Work, product specifications, labor and material budgets, cost estimates, schedules, and test plans.
• Analyze production build and supply chain issues and create solutions.
• Develop, integrate, test, and debug control systems, which could include hydraulics and mechanical. Provide support to production, service, and on occasion in-the-field testing.
• Work with other engineers to ensure the systems are robust and functional in harsh off-road environments by guiding the development of environmental and EMC requirements, test system hardware, while applying industry standards and regulatory requirements where applicable.
• Maintain an orderly engineering work environment that embraces 5S principles for physical equipment, digital records, and software code.
• Maintain and organize controls and software specifications and versions with strong change control processes and variation management.
• Ensure virtual and physical tests are planned and executed as part of all control system releases.
• Lead continuous improvement activities regarding electronic and software development methods, practices, and standards.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

No internal direct reports. Directs the work of external resources.