Position Overview

The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, programming, and optimizing automated production systems within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role focuses on developing new PLC and robotic control systems, improving equipment performance, reducing downtime, and supporting the commissioning of complex, custom-built machinery. The position requires strong hands-on programming capability, advanced troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced production setting.

This is a full-time postion based about an hour south of Lansing Michigan. Relocation assistance will be provided for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Develops new PLC programs in ladder logic and structured text for production equipment, automation systems, robotics, and quality control devices.
• Modifies and optimizes existing PLC and motion control logic to improve cycle time, uptime, and throughput.
• Integrates sensors, thermal devices, machine vision, actuators, and networked automation hardware, including configuration of I/O and industrial communication protocols.
• Leads troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion systems, and safety systems during equipment installation, testing, and commissioning.
• Creates and maintains electrical schematics, functional design specifications, controls documentation, and standards for automation architecture and programming conventions.
• Provides technical oversight to internal teams and suppliers while training maintenance and production staff on new controls systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, automation, mechatronics, software engineering, or a related discipline.
• Extensive hands-on experience with PLC programming experience using ladder logic and structured text.
• Experience designing or implementing new production processes.
• Develop PLC logic from the ground up for new automation systems.
• Experience integrating sensors, motion systems, machine vision, and other automation components.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical, PLC, and automation systems.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell or Siemens PLC platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics using EPLAN or AutoCAD.
• Experience with SCADA, MES, data acquisition systems, and industrial networking.
• Experience commissioning custom-built machinery or greenfield production lines is preferred.
• Background in vacuum systems, thermal processes, or glass manufacturing is a plus.
• Experience with robotics platforms such as Fanuc, Kuka, ABB, or Kawasaki is preferred.

Benefits

• Excellent compensation (Salary - $120K - $135K plus bonus)
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k)
• Generous PTO plan
• Paid Maternity & Paternaty Leave
• Commuter Benefits
• And much more