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QM
Quality Machine and Automation
Controls Engineer (Automation)
Career Insights for Electrical Controls Engineer
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Based on Michigan data
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What they do
An Electrical Controls Engineer designs, develops, and supervises all aspects of electrical control systems, equipment, and machinery. May be responsible for the installation and technical support of PLC based hardware and software.
$95,491 / year median in Michigan
+4% projected growth
Job Description
Controls Engineer (Automation)Position OverviewWe are seeking a Controls Engineer (Automation) to design, develop, program and commission control systems for industrial machinery. The ideal candidate will deliver robust PLC/HMI solutions, integrate sensors, motion control, pneumatics and robotics, and support OEM equipment installations. This role combines hands-on electrical design and panel work with site commissioning and troubleshooting to ensure safe, reliable automation performance and continuous improvement of production systems.
Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop control system architectures for new and retrofit machinery, focusing on PLC and HMI solutions.
Program, test and debug PLC logic (preferably Allen-Bradley) and develop HMI screens to optimize operator interaction and diagnostics.
Create and review electrical schematics, I/O lists and panel layouts; produce drawings using AutoCAD and other CAD tools.
Integrate sensors, actuators, motion control drives, pneumatics and robotic systems into cohesive control strategies.
Perform Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) and on-site commissioning; diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical and software issues during start-up.
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and manufacturing teams and OEMs to ensure seamless integration and meet performance targets.
Develop and maintain clear documentation including control narratives, wiring diagrams, program comments, and maintenance procedures.
Provide technical support and troubleshooting for production issues, continuous improvement projects and root cause analysis.
Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, electrical codes and best engineering practices.
Train operators and maintenance staff on system operation, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
QualificationsBachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics or related field, or equivalent experience.3+ years of experience in controls engineering for industrial machinery, automation systems or OEM equipment.
Hands-on programming experience with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley/ Rockwell preferred) and familiarity with Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
Experience developing HMI applications and diagnostics for operators and maintenance teams.
Strong electrical skills including reading/creating schematics, wiring diagrams and terminal layouts; proficiency with AutoCAD or similar tools.
Knowledge of motion control, servo/stepper drives, sensors, encoders, pneumatics and basic robotics integration.
Proven experience commissioning, debugging and optimizing machinery in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Ability to perform electrical panel assembly oversight and work with OEMs on system modifications.
Willingness to travel to customer sites and work in shop/field environments; certifications such as EIT or electrical license are a plus.
Benefits
Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop control system architectures for new and retrofit machinery, focusing on PLC and HMI solutions.
Program, test and debug PLC logic (preferably Allen-Bradley) and develop HMI screens to optimize operator interaction and diagnostics.
Create and review electrical schematics, I/O lists and panel layouts; produce drawings using AutoCAD and other CAD tools.
Integrate sensors, actuators, motion control drives, pneumatics and robotic systems into cohesive control strategies.
Perform Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) and on-site commissioning; diagnose and resolve mechanical, electrical and software issues during start-up.
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical and manufacturing teams and OEMs to ensure seamless integration and meet performance targets.
Develop and maintain clear documentation including control narratives, wiring diagrams, program comments, and maintenance procedures.
Provide technical support and troubleshooting for production issues, continuous improvement projects and root cause analysis.
Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, electrical codes and best engineering practices.
Train operators and maintenance staff on system operation, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.
QualificationsBachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics or related field, or equivalent experience.3+ years of experience in controls engineering for industrial machinery, automation systems or OEM equipment.
Hands-on programming experience with PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley/ Rockwell preferred) and familiarity with Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
Experience developing HMI applications and diagnostics for operators and maintenance teams.
Strong electrical skills including reading/creating schematics, wiring diagrams and terminal layouts; proficiency with AutoCAD or similar tools.
Knowledge of motion control, servo/stepper drives, sensors, encoders, pneumatics and basic robotics integration.
Proven experience commissioning, debugging and optimizing machinery in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Ability to perform electrical panel assembly oversight and work with OEMs on system modifications.
Willingness to travel to customer sites and work in shop/field environments; certifications such as EIT or electrical license are a plus.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- ESOP
- 401(k
- PTO and Holidays