Controls Engineer
About the job
- Bachelor's degree in engineering.
- Maintenance experience, including internships, and 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.
- Familiarity with data collection, artificial intelligence and machine learning, Industrial Internet of Things, and digital twins.
- Prior experience with Fanuc, ABB, or Universal Robots.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and failure mode and effects analyses.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, C, and RSLOGIX.
- Computer proficiency and the ability to train hourly and salaried team members.
- Ability to demonstrate leadership behaviors and interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues and identify root causes.
- Ability to take ownership of projects and drive them to completion with limited supervision.
- Ability to communicate effectively between shop-floor technicians and corporate engineering teams.
- Ability to work across shifts and navigate an ambiguous startup manufacturing environment.
- Optimize highly automated manufacturing equipment and processes through visual systems, automation, and advanced process control.
- Apply data-driven controls solutions to battery cell and BESS module/container manufacturing lines.
- Provide technical expertise for automation reliability.
- Program, modify, and troubleshoot machinery using Siemens (SP700), Omron, or other PLC programming software and HMI screens.
- Manage interactions between servo systems, frequency conversion systems, and upper-level computers, and configure parameters for varying production loads.
- Support and troubleshoot robotic systems, including robot programming and integration with other automation systems.
- Lead fault analysis and root-cause identification for complex automation issues, prevent recurrence, and identify and rectify electrical component faults.
- Establish preventive maintenance plans for equipment and electrical/controls aspects, and mentor and train technicians.
- Support feasibility assessments for product design changes and lead modifications, model code updates, and automation program backups.
- Regularly engage on the floor to monitor automation health, listen to technicians, and solve problems where work happens.
- Use Andon data to prioritize efforts toward 100% flow and 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 on efficient installation and validation of new equipment.
- Ensure adherence to the Ford Production System and Safety Operating System practices to achieve zero injuries.
- Provide input on new equipment design and controls architecture as the site develops battery cell and BESS assembly capacity.
- Support new model and equipment launches as required.
- Report key metrics on automation performance and equipment reliability.
- Master's degree in engineering.
- Five or more years of relevant Controls Engineering experience.
About the company
Ford designs, builds, and sells cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles worldwide, and develops mobility services including connected features and electric vehicles. Electric Ford models run on battery power with electric motors, supported by software updates and connected features that let drivers monitor performance, navigate, and control functions from apps; Ford also offers traditional engines and hybrids with cloud-connected services. Its size, history, and global dealer network let Ford offer a broad, practical lineup that emphasizes affordability and broad accessibility. The goal is to help people move and pursue their dreams by providing reliable transportation and mobility solutions that benefit customers, communities, and the planet.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Dearborn, Michigan
Founded
1903
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- September 2026 Kentucky investments add paint-shop modernization and strengthen high-margin truck capacity.
- The 2027 Fathom and energy-storage bets diversify revenue beyond slowing consumer EV demand.
- Job creation in Kentucky and Michigan deepens political support and local labor stability.
What critics are saying
- June-July 2026 recalls hit 1.9 million U.S. vehicles, exposing systemic quality breakdowns.
- The 2027 Fathom launch depends on Louisville conversion; execution slips jeopardize EV economics.
- Recurring transmission, brake, and fire defects threaten NHTSA scrutiny, warranty costs, and trust.
What makes Ford Motor Company unique
- Ford's F-Series franchise and commercial trucks anchor scale, dealer reach, and brand loyalty.
- BlueOval Battery Park Michigan and Louisville's Universal EV system build domestic EV manufacturing depth.
- Ford keeps investing in trucks and batteries while rivals retreat from capital-intensive manufacturing.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Remote Work Options
Paid Parental Leave
Family Planning Benefits
Fertility Treatment Support
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Company News
Ford and JPMorganChase have launched Michigan LIFT, a platform connecting manufacturers with innovative suppliers and capital to expand domestic production. Over the next decade, Ford aims to award up to $1 billion in contracts to participating suppliers, while JPMorganChase plans to provide up to $1 billion in debt financing. The initiative includes Michigan Central, Newlab, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which aspire to attract 10 to 20 additional industrial buyers representing over $1 billion in annual demand by 2036. Michigan Central will provide physical testing infrastructure across its 30-acre Detroit innovation district, whilst Newlab aims to contribute $20 million in commercialisation services. The platform initially focuses on five areas: robotics, advanced energy, mobility, critical minerals, and life sciences manufacturing.
Ford and General Motors continue their tight revenue competition, with quarterly results showing alternating leads between the Detroit rivals. Recent figures show Ford reporting $48.3 billion in Q2 2026, slightly ahead of GM's $48.0 billion for the same period. Ford generates revenue through manufacturing trucks, commercial vans, and Lincoln luxury vehicles, whilst also providing financing services. The company established a multi-energy vehicle joint venture in Spain with Geely Auto and launched a workforce training alliance with partners including BlackRock and Google. GM produces trucks, SUVs, and passenger cars whilst offering connected vehicle services and automotive financing. The manufacturer announced plans to reintegrate smartphone interfaces into upcoming truck models but issued a safety recall affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to rearview camera software issues.
General Motors and Ford may benefit from Washington's decision to relax fuel economy standards, a shift that could favour their profitable truck and SUV lines. The policy change reduces regulatory pressure on petrol-powered vehicles, potentially allowing both manufacturers to maintain higher-margin workhorses in their product mix for longer. GM generates $153.8 billion from its North American operations and holds a $72.5 billion market capitalisation, whilst Ford produces $145.9 billion through its Ford Blue division and carries a $50.7 billion market cap. Analysts suggest the relaxed rules could reshape profit expectations for legacy automakers heavily invested in large vehicles. Both companies' truck and SUV portfolios face significant exposure to US fuel economy regulations, making the regulatory shift particularly relevant to their earnings outlook.
Ford Motor and Stellantis both face challenges as traditional automakers transition to electric vehicles, but their financial positions differ significantly. Ford generated $187.3 billion in revenue for FY 2025, up 1.2% year-over-year, whilst posting a net loss of $8.2 billion. The company maintains a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.7x and generated $12.5 billion in free cash flow. Ford operates through 8,226 dealerships globally and pursues its Ford+ plan, splitting operations between Ford Blue for combustion engines and Ford Model e for electric vehicles. Stellantis reported $178 billion in revenue, down 2.1%, with a larger net loss of $25.9 billion. The company manages 14 brands across 130 markets, leveraging shared platforms to reduce costs. Ford's positive cash flow and smaller losses suggest stronger near-term financial health despite both companies facing industry headwinds.
Ford Motor reported nearly $187.3 billion in revenue for FY 2025, up 1.2% year-over-year, though it posted a net loss of approximately $8.2 billion. The company maintains a debt-to-equity ratio of around 4.5x and generated $3.5 billion in adjusted free cash flow. Tesla's revenue declined 2.9% to close to $94.8 billion in FY 2025, with net income of nearly $3.8 billion and a 4% net margin. The company holds a debt-to-equity ratio of roughly 0.1x and produced nearly $6.2 billion in free cash flow. Ford faces risks including recall campaigns and supplier dependencies, whilst Tesla contends with production ramp challenges and regulatory uncertainties around autonomous driving. Ford trades at a significantly lower forward P/E ratio than Tesla.