Control Engineer

Extol, Inc.; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Volunteer time off

ESOP

Profit sharing

Comprehensive health benefits

Retirement plan and HSA contributions

Generous PTO and holidays

Job summary

Extol, Inc. is seeking a driven Controls Engineer to own projects from debug through production launch on customer floors, providing hands-on programming and systems integration across diverse projects.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in automation controls, expertise in Allen-Bradley/Siemens PLCs, motion, and robotics, and the ability to travel to customer sites as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (computer or electrical) or equivalent training/experience.
• 5+ years designing and debugging custom automation controls.
• Proven ability to write complex PLC programs (Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens).
• Hands-on experience with motion systems; robotics experience (Fanuc/ABB) preferred.
• Travel ~25% to 50% to customer sites (1–5 day trips; weekends exception).

Responsibilities

• Own controls from debug through customer installation and production ramp-up.
• Program, debug, and optimize PLC, motion, and electrical systems.
• Communicate effectively with customers and internal teams.
• Collaborate with teammates and manage timelines and budgets.

Skills

PLC programming

Motion control

Robotics (Fanuc/ABB)

Troubleshooting

Customer communication

Project ownership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (computer or electrical)

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Fanuc robotics

ABB robotics

Job description

Are you an experienced controls engineer who thrives on solving complex problems and seeing your work come to life on customer production floors? Do you want to accelerate your career by gaining exposure to a wide variety of projects, technologies, and customers?

At Extol, we’re looking for a driven, hands-on Controls Engineer to directly support the implementation and installation of custom automation equipment. This role is unique, giving you the chance to own projects from debug through production launch while still having a good work life balance. Because of the variety of projects and technologies you’ll encounter, this role provides a unique opportunity to advance your skills and experience more rapidly than in most engineering environments.

The Ideal Candidate

• Takes ownership of machine controls from debug through customer installation and production ramp-up.
• Excels at programming, debugging, and optimizing PLC, motion, and electrical systems.
• Communicate effectively with customers and internal teams, building trust through professionalism and problem-solving.
• Thrives in fast-paced situations with exposure to a wide variety of machines and technologies.
• Works independently with confidence, while still collaborating seamlessly with teammates.
• Adapts quickly, scales solutions appropriately, and maintains accountability to project timelines and budgets.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (computer or electrical) or equivalent training/experience.
• 5+ years of experience designing and debugging custom automation controls.
• Proven ability to write complex PLC programs (Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens).
• Hands‑on experience with motion systems; robotics experience (Fanuc/ABB) preferred.
• Strong skills in troubleshooting, problem‑solving, and risk assessment.
• Willingness and ability to travel ~25% to 50% to customer sites (typically 1-5 day trips, weekends would be exception based).

What We Offer:

• Paid Community Impact –Employer paid time off to volunteer and positively impact community (Significant Impact).
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - employees gain ownership interest in the company.
• Profit Sharing - a portion of the company profits are distributed to employees each quarter the target profit level is reached.
• 100% Employer Paid Dental, Vision, Group Life Insurances, Short-term and Long-term Disability, and Employee Assistance Program
• Annual Employer H.S.A. Contributions and 3 Medical Insurance Plan Options (one of which is 100% employer paid!)
• Generous Paid Time Off - Vacation, sick time off, and nine paid holidays.
• Travel Incentive – Daily incentive pay for overnight stays
• In Addition - Voluntary Life Insurance Options, Pet Discount Program, Accident & Critical Illness plans, 401k, and Educational Reimbursement Program.

About Extol, Inc.:

Extol is an innovative manufacturing technology company striving to improve plastic products through engineering, plastic assembly technology, custom automation, and 3D printing.

We strive to build a customer-centric, values-driven organization that grows profitably by solving customers' challenges with a delightful experience.

Stewardship | Empathy | Humility | Trust | Winning Together