Full-Time

Controls Engineer

Posted on 8/1/2025

Challenge Manufacturing

Challenge Manufacturing

1,001-5,000 employees

High-speed automotive stamping, welding, and assembly

No salary listed

Grand Rapids, MI, USA

In Person

Category
Electrical Engineering (1)
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field required
  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience with Rockwell software and AB CompactLogix, Guard Logix, PanelView plus platforms
  • Electrical knowledge: Install hardware and wiring
  • Technical Skills: Program and debug of automated robotic welding, sealing, fastening and assembly systems
  • Able to program Panel View (HMI) and PLC
  • Creative Thinking: Effective problem solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Attention to Detail: Able to manage project details to ensure perfect quality in work output
  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Teamwork Skills: Able to work collaboratively with different team members and different levels of the organization (internal and external)
  • Computer Modeling: Able to utilize computer aided modeling to ensure that workout meets the needs of the customer (internal and external)
  • Has high standards of performance for self. Takes responsibility for actions, results, and mistakes. Is thorough, accurate, and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of work.
  • Takes positive action to objectively resolve conflict by listening, staying focused on issue to find resolution, and monitoring progress. Maintains positive relationships by constructively resolving conflicts.
  • Uses feedback from others to continuously improve performance and work relationships.
  • Moves within own and/or other work areas (flexes) to support plant flow. Works with sense of urgency to meet needs of internal and external customers.
  • Has necessary experience, skills, and knowledge to perform all aspects of job; rotates through all job responsibilities. Maintains knowledge and skills to perform job effectively.
  • Has ability to focus on benefits of change and see it as positive; approaches change or newness in constructive/objective manner; views change as learning opportunity.
  • Looks for good in others; works collaboratively with others; shares information and knowledge.
  • Is at work when scheduled and ensures coverage when absent; takes timely breaks/lunches; uses time wisely.
Responsibilities
  • As needed design and program PLC, HMI, robots and other types of electronic or electrical manufacturing equipment.
  • Lead in the trouble shooting of malfunctioning equipment.
  • Continuous improvement activities such as cycle time reduction, standardization of existing equipment and incorporation of error proofing strategies.
Challenge Manufacturing

Challenge Manufacturing

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Challenge Manufacturing specializes in high-speed progressive stamping, high-tonnage transfer, automated assembly, and multiple welding methods (resistance, projection, MIG, drawn arc stud welding) to produce automotive structures for Tier 1 suppliers. Its processes turn raw metal into precise, high-quality assemblies through automated lines with about 1,500 industrial robots across 12 locations, enabling fast production and high consistency. The company differentiates itself by its large, employee-owned ESOP model that aligns worker incentives with company success, a global footprint, and a culture built on Safety, Ownership, and Teamwork, alongside its scale and focus on automotive structures. The goal is to be the best global supplier of automotive structures while delivering value to its employee-owners.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

Debt Financing

Total Funding

$100M

Headquarters

Walker, Michigan

Founded

1981

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • EV production reaching 35% of global sales by 2030 drives lightweight assembly demand.
  • Nearshoring trends increase North American OEM capacity 15-20% through 2027, favoring Challenge.
  • Tier 1 supplier consolidation creates M&A opportunities for employee-owned companies to scale.

What critics are saying

  • EV transition reduces stamped metal component demand; integrated battery housings favor composites.
  • Chinese suppliers undercut pricing; Challenge's Michigan cost structure cannot compete.
  • Top 3 OEM customers represent 60-75% revenue; 20% production drop loses 15-25% revenue.

What makes Challenge Manufacturing unique

  • 1,500+ industrial robots with AI-driven predictive maintenance reduce downtime 25-30%.
  • Employee-owned ESOP structure aligns workforce incentives with long-term operational excellence.
  • Specialized welding expertise positions Challenge for emerging EV battery enclosure demand.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account

Short-Term Disability

Basic Life

Voluntary Life

LTD

401(k) Company Match

Tuition Reimbursement

Referral Bonus Program

Challenge Incentive Program

Paid Time Off

ESOP shares

Company News

Business Wire
Oct 17th, 2023
WhiteHawk Capital Partners Provides Senior Term Loan Facility to Challenge Manufacturing

WhiteHawk Capital Partners, LP announced it has entered into an agreement with Challenge Mfg. Company, LLC to provide a senior term loan facility.

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