Controls Engineer

Controls Software Design Engineer – Machine Automation

Location: Lansing, MI
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Travel: Approximately 5%

Compensation: $100-120k, based on experience

A growing industrial equipment manufacturer is seeking a Controls Software Design Engineer to design, program, debug, and commission machine control systems supporting high-volume manufacturing.

This is a hands-on controls engineering role responsible for projects from initial design and PLC/HMI programming through machine build, startup, debugging, run-off, and customer acceptance.

What You’ll Do

• Design and develop control systems for automated machinery and machine tools.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and machine control systems.
• Develop electrical control layouts and select control components.
• Create and maintain electrical drawings and project documentation.
• Lead controls design reviews with mechanical and project engineering teams.
• Support machine build, electrical checkout, startup, debugging, and run-off.
• Troubleshoot controls, electrical, and automation issues.
• Support commissioning and equipment startup at customer facilities.
• Work directly with engineering, manufacturing, service, and customers.
• Identify new controls and automation technologies for future machine designs.

Must Have Qualifications

• Must Have: 5+ years of experience in Controls Engineering, Controls Design, Automation Engineering, or Machine Controls.
• Must Have: Hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Must Have: Experience designing and commissioning controls for machine tools, automated machinery, industrial automation, or manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and/or FANUC PLC/control platforms.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting HMI systems.
• Ability to read and develop electrical schematics and control drawings.
• Experience supporting machine startup, debugging, commissioning, and run-off.

Highly Preferred Qualifications

• Highly Preferred: Experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC programming.
• Highly Preferred: Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, and/or SolidWorks.
• Highly Preferred: Background in machine tools, custom automation, automotive manufacturing, or high-volume production equipment.
• Experience with FANUC controls, robotics, or CNC/machine control systems is a plus.
• Experience supporting automotive, powertrain, or internal combustion engine manufacturing is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field is preferred.

Ideal Background

Strong candidates may come from machine builders, custom automation integrators, automotive equipment manufacturers, CNC/machine tool companies, robotics integrators, or other industrial automation environments.

This position is primarily based in Lansing, MI, with approximately 5% domestic travel for commissioning and customer support.