Manufacturing Network and Controls Engineer

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We are currently seeking a Manufacturing Network & Controls Engineer to support one of our key automotive manufacturing clients. This role will be focused on the upfront design, development, and validation of new automation and IIoT systems before deployment to production environments.

As a Manufacturing Network & Controls Engineer, you’ll bridge the worlds of controls engineering and industrial networking to help define and test cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. You will collaborate with both the client’s R&D engineers and internal technical teams to prototype, document, and validate architectures that connect automation hardware, PLCs, edge devices, and network infrastructure.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the client’s R&D and engineering teams to design and prototype Manufacturing Private Networks (MPNs) and Controls Private Networks (CPNs) for new automation concepts.

Develop and test controls and communication architectures using your background with Rockwell, Siemens, and Codesys technologies.

Configure and evaluate Siemens and Cisco networking hardware to support plant-floor communication and edge connectivity.

Contribute to the design and validation of edge computing and device management solutions for IIoT applications.

Prototype and document network topologies and data flow between PLCs, edge devices, and enterprise systems.

Support definition of industrial networking standards, best practices, and cybersecurity considerations for future deployments.

Perform light programming or scripting for automation tasks, testing, and proof-of-concept development.

Provide clear documentation, testing feedback, and technical recommendations to both internal and client stakeholders.

Requirements

• 3–5 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, ideally in an R&D, pilot plant, or advanced manufacturing development environment.
• Background in controls engineering or industrial networking (IIoT) — experience with both is highly valued.
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation, Siemens, and/or Codesys PLC and control systems.
• Working knowledge of Cisco and Siemens networking hardware, configuration, and industrial communication principles.
• Fundamental understanding of network topology design, segmentation, VLANs, and device-level networking in industrial environments.
• Familiarity with edge computing, data gateways, and OT-to-IT integration concepts.
• Light programming or scripting skills (ladder logic, structured text, or Python).
• Strong analytical, communication, and documentation skills for cross-functional and client-facing collaboration.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, MQTT, or OPC UA protocols.
• Understanding of industrial cybersecurity frameworks (ISA/IEC 62443).
• Exposure to virtualization, digital twin, or simulation environments.

Please note:

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment status because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Sandalwood Engineering & Ergonomics participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 information to confirm that your are authorized to work in the U.S. E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration.

If a candidate is not a U.S. citizen, they must be able to become legally authorized for work in the United States. Sandalwood does not offer H-1B visa sponsorship. Verification of employment eligibility is required at time of hire.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for the online application process due to a disability please call 734-744-9705. Please provide your contact information and details about the posted position of interest.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation & Sick)
• Paid Holidays
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development