Automation Control Engineer-Japanese Bilingual

This role supports manufacturing-focused industrial automation projects through the design, programming, and commissioning of control systems. The position is onsite in Nicholasville, KY and involves close technical engagement across equipment development, testing, and customer launch activities, with Japanese language proficiency required.

Role Overview

As an Automation Control Engineer, you will design and develop custom automation control solutions for manufacturing environments. The work combines PLC and HMI programming with electrical documentation, system integration, and validation activities. You will also contribute to FAT and SAT testing and provide technical support during production launch.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems for custom automation equipment
• Create electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams using AutoCAD Electrical or similar tools
• Select components including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, safety devices, servo systems, and networks
• Develop Bills of Material (BOM) for project builds
• Develop and troubleshoot PLC programs from scratch
• Design and implement HMI/operator interface screens
• Perform system integration, debugging, and optimization
• Support equipment build, validation, and debugging activities
• Conduct machine startup and optimization
• Execute FAT (Factory Acceptance Tests) and SAT (Site Acceptance Tests)
• Provide technical support during production launch
• Troubleshoot electrical and controls-related issues
• Participate in customer meetings and technical discussions to provide recommendations and problem-solving support
• Communicate project status and technical updates
• Support installation and commissioning at customer sites

Technical Documentation

• Maintain technical documentation, including electrical drawings
• Maintain technical documentation, including PLC/HMI programs
• Maintain technical documentation, including network architecture
• Maintain technical documentation, including operation and service manuals

Required Qualifications

• Japanese language proficiency
• 3+ years of controls engineering experience
• Experience with PLC programming from the ground up
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and control drawings
• Experience supporting industrial automation or manufacturing systems

Relevant Technologies

• AutoCAD Electrical (or similar)
• Allen-Bradley (Rockwell)
• Mitsubishi
• Keyence
• Omron
• PLC, HMI, servo systems, networks

Preferred Experience

• Experience in automotive manufacturing
• Experience with robotic systems, motion control, or machine vision
• Experience with welding automation
• Experience using AutoCAD Electrical
• Experience with equipment installation and commissioning

Location and Compensation

• Location: Nicholasville, KY (onsite)
• Salary: USD 90,000 - 130,000 per year