Controls Engineer I - ASL Systems (Airport Technologies)

Daifuku Airport America Corporation (formally known as Jervis B. Webb) is a subsidiary of Daifuku North America a group company of Daifuku in Japan - the largest material handling company in the world. Our advanced systems move everything from car bodies at auto plants to luggage at airports to packaged goods at warehouses. We are known as experts in engineering, manufacturing, and servicing innovative automated materials handling systems including conveyors, automatic guided vehicles, automated storage & retrieval systems, and integrated controls.

Daifuku is the world class leader in design, build, and installation of large scale, airport baggage conveyor security systems. At Daifuku, this division is named Airport Technologies (ATec) because we specialize in traditional baggage systems as well as innovative airport material handling.

Our controls engineering team averages 10 years of experience because we value mentorship, growth, collaboration, and flexibility. Members of our team view our work as a career. We can offer you the opportunity to bring your creativity to our innovative systems. Be a part of the best, most experienced team in the industry.

Controls engineers in ATec design and build airport automation systems. This is a unique skill set that encompasses an understanding of mechanical, electrical, logistical, and software interactions implemented with sound, engineering principles. If you are an engineer with strong problem solving skills and a penchant for creativity, this is a field for you.

Automated Screening Lanes (ASL) are a growth opportunity for ATec to increase automation in airports. ASLs dispense bins to passengers at security checkpoints. Passengers then place their belongings and bins on rollers that automatically convey through an x-ray machine. After the passengers walk through the person screening device, they can retrieve their belongings from the conveyor. The ASL automatically returns the bins to the dispenser using a second conveyor hidden underneath.

The company is currently seeking a Controls Engineer I.

Daifuku is looking for aspiring engineering candidates to spearhead this product. As an Associate Controls Engineer, you will be part of a team responsible for the ASL build, test, commission, and support. You will participate in the fabrication of electrical, mechanical, and software portions of the ASL. Once assembled, you will thoroughly test the ASLs. You will travel to major airports to ensure the ASLs are properly installed. You will assist customers with support.

In addition to the ASL product, you will have an opportunity to participate in teams, out of our corporate office in Novi, MI, that are responsible for the electrical/controls portion of airport baggage security systems. These teams design the electrical and/or software elements to meet the specifications within the project schedule and budget. Additionally, these teams write the technical specifications, design the control panels, debug the PLC programs, and commission the systems.

Major Areas of Responsibility

• In-house fabrication and testing of Automated Screening Lanes (ASL).
• Demonstrations of ASLs to internal and external customers.
• Travel to customer sites.
• Support to our AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicles) division.
• Installation and technical support of PLC based hardware and software.
• Design electrical/PLC control systems. This may involve specifying work for others to produce electrical device, layout drawings; motor control panel drawings; and wiring schematics.
• Installation and technical support of PLC based hardware and software.
• Perform control system and software changes; create and modify system specifications and operating procedures.
• Program, troubleshoot, and repair: sensors, scanners, visualization systems, motors, frequency inverters and encoders.
• Participate in testing and commissioning efforts at major airports.
• Support proposals and customer inquiries.
• Meet timelines to ensure projects stay on schedule and on budget.
• 50% travel to jobsites.

Basic Knowledge

• Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of systems and services.
• English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Basic Skills & Abilities

• Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate course.
• Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of you, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Verbal and Written Expression and Recognition — Listening to, understanding, and communicating information and ideas through spoken or written words and sentences.
• Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong, or is likely to go wrong, even if the solution to the problem is not obvious.
• Conscientiousness – Thorough and diligent in one’s duties. Recognizes tasks that need to be completed and facilitates the completion of those tasks independently.
• Occasionally working extended hours, weekends, and holidays in support of customer service and change requests. Customer sites are located throughout the country; the selected candidate will need to travel for commissioning of control systems and on-site engineering tasks that cannot be accomplished from our office. On occasion, off-shift work may be necessary to support commissioning efforts.

Education & Experience

• BSEE, E.T. or relevant technical degree, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with Allen Bradley PLC ControlLogix programming (preferred).
• AutoCAD experience (preferred).
• Experience with material handling equipment (preferred).

Demonstrated Physical Abilities

Remain stationary for 50% of the time; move/traverse throughout the office to access file cabinets and office equipment; operate a computer and other productivity machinery; inspect documents; communicate with others through talking/hearing; read/identify/assess forms and correspondence.  While on job sites, must be able to walk airports and plants and remain standing for most of the shift.  Must be able to climb ladders to access our conveyor systems. 

Daifuku Airport America Corporation is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled, and federal sub/contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or medical condition. If you’d like to view a copy of the company’s affirmative action plan or policy statement, please call 248-553-1000.

Daifuku Airport America Corporation offers an excellent compensation package including great benefits such as excellent medical, vision, and dental insurance, paid vacation time, paid sick time, and paid holidays, 401K, Flexible Spending Programs, and more.

At this time our company only receives applications online. If you need assistance applying online to this position, please call 248-553-1000 and leave a message and your call will be returned.