Controls Engineer

Engtal; Beaverton (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

On-site training

Job summary

Engtal is seeking a Controls Engineer to develop automated machinery and manufacturing systems, blending electrical design with hands-on controls programming. You will design control panels, write PLC logic, develop HMIs, and support testing, startup, and commissioning across projects.

The role includes onsite training followed by hybrid work flexibility. You will work with electrical schematics, servo motion systems, and CAD tools while documenting decisions and maintaining BOMs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent hands-on manufacturing experience.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming and industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with servo and motion-controlled equipment.
• Experience developing electrical schematics and control panel designs.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and controls-related problems.
• Strong technical problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop electrical designs and control panel layouts for automated machinery and equipment.
• Produce electrical schematics and related documentation using CAD software.
• Select appropriate electrical components based on machine requirements and standards.
• Develop PLC logic for automated machinery and production equipment.
• Create and modify HMI applications for machine operation and monitoring.
• Program and configure servo-based motion control systems.
• Support the design and development of electrical and controls portions of new equipment.
• Create BOMs and maintain engineering documentation.
• Review drawings and material lists for accuracy and compliance.
• Travel to customer sites for startup and technical support.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Servo motion control

Electrical CAD

Electrical panel design

BOM

Equipment startup & commissioning

Electrical design principles

Technical problem solving

Documentation

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Electrical CAD software

PLC programming software

Job description

An established industrial equipment and automation organization is seeking a Controls Engineer to support the development of automated machinery and manufacturing systems.

This position combines electrical engineering with hands‑on controls programming, giving the engineer responsibility for both hardware design and machine software. You’ll contribute to projects from initial design through testing and field startup, working with PLCs, HMIs, servo motion systems, electrical schematics, and automated equipment.

Following the initial onsite training period, the position offers the opportunity for a hybrid working arrangement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop electrical designs and control panel layouts for automated machinery and equipment
• Produce electrical schematics and related documentation using CAD software
• Select appropriate electrical components based on machine requirements, performance specifications, and applicable industry standards
• Perform engineering calculations and technical research to support equipment design decisions
• Develop PLC logic for automated machinery and production equipment
• Create and modify HMI applications used for machine operation and monitoring
• Program and configure servo-based motion control systems
• Support the design and development of electrical and controls portions of new and existing equipment
• Create bills of material and maintain accurate engineering documentation
• Review drawings, component selections, and bills of material for assigned projects
• Participate in engineering reviews to evaluate technical requirements, design decisions, and project costs
• Maintain drawings and documentation as equipment designs are revised
• Document controls architecture, design decisions, and software development work
• Support machine testing, startup, and debugging before equipment is delivered
• Provide technical assistance during onsite equipment installation and startup
• Troubleshoot controls and electrical issues that arise during field operation
• Coordinate assigned engineering activities and collaborate with other members of the design team
• Review completed engineering work to help maintain design quality and consistency
• Travel to customer locations as required for equipment startup and technical support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or relevant hands‑on experience within a manufacturing environment
• Working knowledge of PLC programming and industrial control systems
• Familiarity with servo and motion‑controlled equipment
• Understanding of electrical engineering design principles and practices
• Experience developing electrical schematics and control panel designs
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and controls‑related problems
• Strong technical problem‑solving and analytical capabilities
• Ability to effectively plan and prioritize engineering responsibilities
• Strong attention to detail and documentation
• Effective written and verbal technical communication skills
• Ability to contribute within a collaborative engineering environment while also working independently
• Willingness to travel as required for equipment installation, startup, and troubleshooting
• Must be permanently authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship

Experience with the following is beneficial:

• PLC Programming
• HMI Development
• Servo Motion Control
• Electrical CAD
• Electrical Panel Design
• Automated Machinery
• Machine Controls
• Bills of Material (BOM)
• Equipment Startup & Commissioning

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Work across both electrical design and controls programming rather than being limited to one engineering discipline
• Take part in the complete machine development process from design through startup
• Gain hands‑on experience programming PLCs, HMIs, and servo motion systems
• Design controls for sophisticated automated manufacturing equipment
• Work collaboratively with engineers across multiple locations and technical disciplines
• Participate directly in machine testing and debugging before equipment reaches the customer
• Gain field experience supporting equipment installation, startup, and troubleshooting
• Develop broader expertise across electrical design, automation software, motion control, and machine integration
• Hybrid working flexibility available following completion of initial training

This opportunity is particularly well suited to an engineer who enjoys combining electrical design with hands‑on automation programming and wants exposure to the complete lifecycle of automated equipment, from initial engineering through final startup.