Automation Control Engineer

Diversified Recruitment Services, LLC; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Diversified Recruitment Services, LLC is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead and support automation projects across North American manufacturing operations, driving innovation and advancing automation standards.

This role covers the full lifecycle from concept development and electrical/mechanical design through installation, startup, training and ongoing production support. Travel may be up to 30–40% across North America.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field, OR equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of automation/controls experience.
• Experience with RSLogix 500/5000, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View Studio.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and drive systems.
• Robot programming experience (FANUC/UR) or strong working knowledge.
• Ability to read/interpret VB, C++, C#, Python.
• Knowledge of I/O Link, industrial networking, OPC/MES interfaces.
• Experience with Keyence cameras and machine vision.
• Experience with SCADA systems and AutoCAD drawings.
• Understanding of safety standards (OSHA 1910, ANSI/RIA 15.06).
• Experience with risk assessments.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept to installation and production support.
• Design and develop electrical controls and programming per standards.
• Write, troubleshoot, and debug PLC software.
• Support automated cell deployment and production readiness.
• Develop robust programming to maximize uptime and reduce operator intervention.
• Lead external integrators on automation projects.
• Train plant personnel and provide ongoing technical support.
• Coordinate controls with manufacturing systems (MES/OPC).
• Travel North America 30–40% for projects and launches.

Skills

PLC programming

RSLogix 500/5000

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View Studio

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Robot programming

FANUC/UR robotics

Programming languages (VB, C++, C#, Py

Industrial networks

IO-Link

Keyence vision

SCADA

AutoCAD

Safety standards (OSHA/ANSI/RIA)

Risk assessments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Software Engineering

5+ years automation/controls experience

Tools

RSLogix 500/5000

Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View Studio

Allen-Bradley PLCs

AutoCAD

Keyence Vision

SCADA systems

Job description

As a key member of the Automation Team, the Automation Engineer will lead, support, implement, and manage automation projects while driving innovation and advancing automation standards across North American manufacturing operations.

This role is responsible for automation projects throughout the full project lifecycle—from concept development and electrical/mechanical design support through installation, launch, training, and ongoing production support. The Automation Engineer will also serve as a subject matter expert, providing technical leadership and managing external integrators on automation projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead automation projects from technical specification and concept development through installation, startup, and production support
• Design and develop electrical control systems, equipment, and programming using established automation standards while identifying opportunities for innovation
• Write, implement, troubleshoot, and debug PLC software
• Support the development, installation, launch, and production readiness of automated manufacturing cells
• Develop robust programming solutions designed to maximize equipment uptime and minimize operator intervention
• Support the implementation of both proven and newly developed advanced automation technologies
• Develop contingency and disaster recovery plans for automated equipment
• Document and utilize existing controls standards to develop requirements for new automation cells
• Provide technical leadership and project oversight for external automation integrators
• Train plant personnel and provide ongoing technical support following equipment launch
• Coordinate and manage controls systems and communication with manufacturing systems, including MES and OPC
• Participate in risk assessments for automated equipment
• Travel throughout North America to support automation projects, installations, and launches; travel may be up to 30–40%

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or a related technical field, OR
• 5+ years of relevant automation/controls engineering experience
• Advanced experience with RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk View Studio
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, controls components, and drive systems
• FANUC and/or Universal Robots programming experience or strong working knowledge of industrial robotics
• Ability to navigate and interpret structured programming languages such as Visual Basic, C++, C#, and Python
• Knowledge of I/O Link, industrial networking, and controls communication protocols
• Experience with Keyence cameras and machine vision systems
• Working knowledge of vision-guided robotics, including robot offsets
• Experience with SCADA systems
• Experience communicating with external manufacturing systems, including MES and OPC
• Ability to read and create electrical drawings using AutoCAD
• Strong understanding of applicable industrial safety standards, including OSHA 1910, machine guarding, ANSI/RIA 15.06 robot safety, automated vehicle safety, and conveyor safety
• Experience supporting or participating in equipment risk assessments

Additional Qualifications:

• Strong electrical controls troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to independently manage automation and controls projects
• Creative and innovative approach to automation challenges
• Results-oriented with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Self-driven and comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Willingness to work extended hours during equipment installations and launches when required
• Ability to travel throughout North America up to 30–40%

Preferred Experience:

• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) and/or Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR)
• Automation cell design, integration, and launch
• Experience managing third-party automation integrators
• High-volume automotive or manufacturing automation experience