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.