Controls Engineer

Description & Requirements

Job Description

AESC is looking to add a Controls Engineer to our team in Florence, South Carolina.

• Full-Time
• On-site

About AESC US LLC

AESC is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance batteries for zero-emission electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Founded in Japan in 2007 and headquartered in Yokohama, AESC has been building manufacturing capabilities around the world in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Japan and China to serve key markets and leading customers locally for over 14 years. Today, AESC has become the partner of choice for the world's leading OEMs and energy storage providers in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its advanced technology powers over one million electric vehicles and provides more than 15GWh of installed capacity for battery energy systems in over 60 countries.

AESC is expanding its footprint in the United States with gigafactories in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee to meet the growing demand for EV and BESS batteries and strengthen its presence in the North American market. AESC's Tennessee gigafactory in Smyrna, which has been operational and supplying electric vehicle batteries for the Nissan LEAF since 2012, was retooled in 2025 and now produces batteries for Energy Storage Systems. The South Carolina gigafactory in Florence will supply next generation cells for BMW starting in 2026. The Kentucky gigafactory in Bowling Green will supply high-performance batteries and components for other OEMs.AESC is committed to our local communities where it is making its investments, creating jobs, and supporting local charities.

About the Role

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, programming, and maintaining PLC-based control systems within a high-volume automated manufacturing environment. This role emphasizes a proactive approach to system optimization, troubleshooting, and advanced automation enhancements, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and safety across production lines.

What You Will Do

• Develops and implements control system programs, modifying and creating PLC and HMI programs for improved system functionality.
• Interprets and creates electrical and mechanical schematics and documentation for complex PLC-based control systems.
• Diagnoses and resolves advanced issues in mechanical, pneumatic, and electronic subsystems on highly automated production lines.
• Expertly troubleshoots and programs PLCs; designs and debugs new programs to ensure seamless production.
• Optimizes robotics functionality, pathing, and integration; performs mechanical and system analysis for performance improvements.
• Applies knowledge of fluid power systems, including pneumatic and hydraulic components; reads and utilizes schematics to troubleshoot and improve system reliability.
• Manages electrical maintenance from low voltage to 480V, 3-phase motor control circuits, ensuring compliance with electrical safety standards.
• Leads initiatives to enhance system safety, advocating a culture of continuous improvement in safety practices and compliance.
• Oversees predictive, preventative, and routine maintenance activities on production and facility equipment.
• Schedules, prioritizes, and manages repair activities, coordinating efforts with maintenance and production teams.
• Utilizes the CMMS for data-driven decision-making and asset management, records maintenance activities, repair history, and part usage.
• Develops detailed maintenance procedures and comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules, ensuring equipment uptime and operational efficiency.
• Assists in design reviews, new equipment installation, and equipment relocation projects to support production expansion and equipment upgrades.
• Collaborates closely with engineering and production teams to drive process improvements and machine reliability.
• Acts as a mentor, providing technical training and support to junior team members.
• Engages in continuous learning to stay updated on controls technology advancements and industry standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

What We Offer

Welcome to AESC, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle the world's most fascinating challenges alongside exceptionally talented individuals who are driven to make a difference. We strive to ensure that our employees are well taken care of, enabling them to focus on their work and contribute to our collective mission.

We offer:

• Comprehensive compensation packages including a competitive salary and a rewarding bonus program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.
• Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with company match
• Life Insurance (Company paid and additional voluntary life available)
• Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays
• Short term and long-term disability coverage (Company Paid)
• Tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

What You Need

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in Controls Engineering or Maintenance Controls, with a strong focus on PLC programming, robotics, and automation systems.
• Advanced expertise in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and diagnostics; experience with Siemens & Omron PLCs is preferred.
• Laser and Vision System Specialties.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft suite and other PC applications to produce non-standard, creative products.
• Advanced proficiency in programming software, HMI interfaces, and control systems diagnostics.
• Proficient in computer applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with maintenance software and data analytics tools.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• In-depth understanding of electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics and machine blueprints.
• Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)
• Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

What is "Nice to Have"?

• Advanced Certifications: Possession of advanced certifications in Six Sigma principles while not mandatory, would be a strong asset, showcasing a commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Proficiency in additional languages beyond English is advantageous, as it aligns with our global operations and enhances communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Previous experience working in cross-cultural environments, or a demonstrated understanding of cultural nuances would be beneficial, given our global presence and diverse team.
• Experience or familiarity with the dynamics of start-up environments, showcasing an ability to thrive in agile and fast-paced settings.

Application Process

Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Your application allows us to learn more about you and find potential fits within our team. We strive to respond to all applicants promptly, though times may vary with submission volume. If you don't receive an immediate response, it doesn't reflect on your candidacy; we'll keep your application for future opportunities. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we improve our application process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At AESC, we are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S Join us in our passion to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products, contributing to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.
• Required to occasionally lift, push, pull and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally required to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 35 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment is primarily an automated manufacturing plant with a concrete floor and is characterized by some temperature extremes, moderate noise, and forklift traffic. The individual must be able to perform all essential functions as appropriate on the plant floor, in meetings, and with employees, management, customers and suppliers.

Candidate must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately, and without causing significant safety threat to self or others. The statements made herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive and inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of personnel so classified.

Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of drug screen and background check. AESC US LLC is a drug-free workplace.

Travel

Occasional domestic and international travel required.

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