Controls Engineer

Tuff Automation; Grand Rapids; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Tuff Automation is seeking a Controls Engineer to join a collaborative team of engineers and project managers designing, implementing, and validating automation controls systems. You will work on PLC/HMI programming, electrical design, and equipment debugging, with travel to customer sites for installation and startup.

The role requires hands-on experience in PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial networking, plus a degree or relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Design and program PLC (ladder / basic structured text) and HMI programs within established architecture; includes I/O mapping, alarms/diagnostics, and data handling.
• Adheres to electrical standards; keeps backups/change logs, I/O and tag maps, and manuals current for assigned scope.
• Assists with offline/online debugging, equipment startup, FAT/SAT support, and on-site commissioning.
• Communicate with vendors to specify and source major purchased components.
• Work with Mechanical, Electrical, Builders and Project Management to resolve issues and protect project milestones.

Skills

Self-motivated

Detail-oriented

Team collaboration

Communication skills

PLC programming

Electrical design

Industrial networks

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Rockwell Automation

FactoryTalk View

Ignition

Ethernet/IP

Profinet

IO-Link

Siemens software

Job description

The Controls Engineer will work with a group of Controls Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Project Managers, and shop personnel, to design, implement, and document, controls systems for various types of automation or material handling equipment. You will be personally involved with electrical, pneumatic system design, simulation, PLC, HMI, and peripheral device programming, machine debug and validation / buyoff. Travel to customer sites for installation, startup, and support of equipment.

Essential Functions

Ensure that equipment is designed and programmed to customers and/or Tuff Automation build specifications, using standard techniques and approaches, including, but not limited to:

• Design and program PLC (ladder / basic structured text) and HMI programs, within established architecture and standards; performs I/O mapping, device setup, alarms/diagnostics, basic data handling
• Adheres to code / electrical standards; keeps backups/change logs, I/O and tag maps, and manuals current for assigned scope
• Assists with offline/online debug, equipment startup, FAT/SAT support, and on-site commissioning
• Communicate with vendors to specify and source major purchased components
• Work with Mechanical, Electrical, Builders and Project Management to resolve issues and protect project milestones

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related, is preferred, but not required
• Minimum 2+ years of experience within an industrial controls environment which includes
  • PLC programming (Rockwell Software preferred, Siemens software a plus)
  • HMI Programming (Factory Talk View preferred, Ignition a plus)
  • Networking: Perform device/IP configuration and basic fieldbus diagnostics (e.g., Ethernet/IP, IO-Link, Profinet)
  • Electrical design and drawing creation
• Experience with VFDs preferred, networked a plus
• Experience with Microsoft Office
• Past on-the-job travel and willing to travel 20-25%; domestic and intl travel
• Equivalent work experience will also be considered as a substitute for education

Skills/Abilities

• Must be self-motivated, self-aware, detail-oriented, and results-focused
• Understanding of VFDs, induction motors, programmable logic controllers, and industrial networks
• Ability to manage and execute basic system implementations, enhancements, and retrofits
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with Tuff Automation team members, project managers, and customers, in a professional written and spoken manner
• Understands lockout/tagout and safety I/O fundamentals
• Ability to take direction from Sr. Level Controls Engineers to support the project and ensure all aspects of project goals are achieved
• Ability to produce quality designs, drawings, programs, and documentation with minimal errors