Controls Engineer

The Kissner Group; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Detroit Salt Company in Detroit, MI is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, modify and develop automated control systems across processing facilities. You will manage projects with external vendors and support commissioning.

You will maintain HMIs, SCADA systems, and a Factory Information System for real-time data. Collaboration with operations is essential to ensure reliability and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• Minimum five years of experience in industrial controls and automation.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs, PowerFlex drives, and HMI platforms.
• Experience with SCADA systems, networking, and Windows/VMware infrastructure.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours based on project and support needs.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated control systems.
• Serve as project manager on larger automation projects with outside vendors.
• Maintain and improve HMIs for operator control and monitoring.
• Maintain a Factory Information System for real-time data access across mine operations.
• Provide technical support for integrating standalone components into centralized control systems.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to ensure system reliability and safety.
• Troubleshoot and optimize PLCs, drives, instrumentation, and network infrastructure.
• Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Skills

Automation design

Vendor coordination

HMI/SCADA troubleshooting

Cross-functional teamwork

Analytical thinking

Flexibility

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs

PowerFlex drives

PanelView / Wonderware / Ignition

SCADA systems

Windows/VMware infrastructure

Job description

Detroit Salt is a historic organization with a rich legacy spanning over 100 years, originating in 1906 as a salt producer for leather and food processing. Since 1997, Detroit Salt has supplied local and national customers with tons of rock salt and premium ice melter formulations. The fruit of this labor is apparent in the salt city 1,200 feet beneath the city of Detroit, spanning more than 1,500 acres and containing over 100 miles of underground roads. We take pride on upholding the highest standards of safety for our staff and the surrounding community. As a member of the team at Detroit Salt, you will contribute to maintaining our company's efficient mining process and enriching our workforce.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Maintenance Superintendent the incumbent will be an integral part of the Maintenance Department and responsible for applying engineering principles to design, modify, or develop facilities, testing, machines, equipment, or processes used in processing or manufacturing products by performing the following duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Be the subject matter expert that will design and implement automated control systems.
• Serve as project manager on larger automation projects supported by outside vendors and support commissioning for those projects.
• Maintain and improve Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) for operator control and monitoring.
• Maintain a Factory Information System for real-time data access across mine operations.
• Provide technical support for integrating standalone components into centralized control systems.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance teams to ensure system reliability and safety.
• Troubleshoot and optimize PLCs, drives, instrumentation, and network infrastructure.
• Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• Minimum five years of experience in industrial controls and automation.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs, PowerFlex drives, and HMI platforms (e.g., PanelView, Wonderware, Ignition).
• Experience with SCADA systems, networking, and Windows/VMware infrastructure.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours based on project and support needs.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred

• Ability to work flexible shifts to support projects and breakdowns.
• Automation experience on crushing, conveying, and screening equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to climb ladders, steps, crawl, and bend regularly.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to fifty pounds regularly.
• Must be able to wear proper PPE including steel toe shoes and safety glasses.
• Must be able to work safely in varying temperatures outside year-round.

This opportunity does not pay relocation.

At Detroit Salt Company, we work best when we work as a team, when we treat one another with dignity and respect, and value the unique contributions of others. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, national origin, sex, religion, color, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.