Senior Controls Engineer / Systems Integrator – On-Site Automation Line Integration (SoCal)

We are seeking a highly skilled, hands-on Senior Controls Engineer / Systems Integrator to commission and integrate a newly imported automated packaging cell into our existing production line in Southern California. The core of the project involves taking a standalone, Chinese-built packaging system and interfacing it seamlessly with an upstream Jennerjahn paper rewinder. Equipment in the Automation Cell: Upstream Source: Jennerjahn Paper Rewinder (Primary line feed)Materials Handling: Robotic Arm (Picks finished paper rolls from the Jennerjahn)Foundation: Automatic Pallet Dispenser Containment: Stretch Wrapping Machine (Chinese OEM)Reinforcement: Pallet Bander / Strapping Machine (Chinese OEM)Project Scope & Key Responsibilities:Line Handshakes & Interlocking: Establish physical or networked interlocks (E-stops, line-ready signals, upstream/downstream bottleneck photoeyes, roll-ready bits) between the Jennerjahn, the robot controller, and the downstream Chinese packaging machinery.Protocol Bridging: Configure data communications between the different platforms. This will likely involve using hardware gateways (e.g., Anybus, ProSoft, Red Lion) to bridge the Chinese machinery's protocol (e.g., Modbus TCP/RTU) over to the main line standard (e.g., EtherNet/IP).Safety Integration: Wire and program a unified, global safety architecture. Hitting an Emergency Stop anywhere in the cell must safely halt the entire line. Integrate safety light curtains/scanners around the robot and wrapper zone. On-Site Commissioning: Trace physical I/O, verify sensor layouts, test motor rotations on conveyors/turntables, tune VFD acceleration curves to prevent rolls from shifting, and support live "wet" production testing until full line cycle speed is achieved.Diagnostics & Handover: Ensure all HMI fault messages from the imported machine are clearly translated into English. Provide a final, clean backup of all code, updated as-built schematics, and a brief handover to our local maintenance team. Required Technical Expertise:7+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, and complex line integration. Deep knowledge of multi-platform communication (bridging distinct network protocols).Experience working with major domestic platforms ([Insert your main line brand, e.g., Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 / Siemens TIA Portal]) as well as common Asian PLC brands (Delta, Inovance, Mitsubishi, Omron).Proficient at reading and reverse-engineering industrial electrical schematics when documentation is minimal or translated.Must bring your own diagnostic tools, laptops, and specialized software.Logistics & Location Requirements:Location: This job requires an active, on-site presence at our manufacturing facility in [Insert City, CA, e.g., Ontario / Irvine / Corona] for the physical dry-run and live testing phases.Work Authorization: Must be legally permitted to work in the United States.