Controls Engineer

Rippling; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CS Erickson is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer to design, implement, and maintain control systems for a range of electrical projects. You will develop PLC programs and HMIs, select components, and ensure safe, reliable operation.

You will collaborate with project managers and clients, troubleshoot issues, and optimize control strategies for efficiency. A Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and strong PLC/HMI skills are required for this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• Strong PLC programming and ladder logic skills.
• Experience designing and implementing control systems for electrical projects.
• Proven troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Good communication with project teams and clients.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain control systems for electrical projects.
• Develop control algorithms and logic using PLCs and HMIs.
• Select hardware components and sensors for system integration.
• Create and test control software, including ladder logic and PLC code.
• Produce thorough documentation and reports for stakeholders.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical circuits knowledge

Troubleshooting

Project communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Ethernet/IP

Modbus

DC/AC control systems

Job description

At CS Erickson, we are redefining what the industry expects from a trade company by building a world-class, professional organization. We instill confidence in our customers by making every interaction insightful, proactive, and simple. We offer solutions from electrical engineering to AV equipment and installation. More than just getting the job done, we take pride in going the extra mile on every project, ensuring expert craftsmanship and treating every facility as if it were our own.

If you’re excited about joining a team that’s on a mission to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the trades, we have opportunities for talented individuals. Our fast-paced, entrepreneurial culture rewards self-starters who want to contribute to an organization that’s leading the way in innovation, quality, and professionalism in the industry.

About the role

CS Erickson is seeking a skilled and motivated Controls Engineer to join our team. As a Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining control systems for a variety of electrical projects. Your expertise will play a vital role in ensuring the efficient and safe operation of electrical systems and equipment.

What you’ll do

• Collaborate with project managers, electrical engineers, and clients to understand project requirements and objectives.
• Design and develop control systems and automation solutions that align with project specifications.
• Select appropriate hardware components, sensors, and actuators for system integration.
• Develop control algorithms and logic using PLC programming languages, ladder logic, and other relevant languages.
• Integrate control systems with electrical equipment, ensuring seamless communication and interaction between components.
• Configure and program Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) to provide user-friendly control and monitoring interfaces.
• Create simulation environments to test control system functionality and performance.
• Conduct thorough testing and validation of control systems, addressing any issues or bugs that arise.
• Optimize control strategies for optimal system efficiency and reliability.
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues related to control system operation, software bugs, and hardware malfunctions.
• Perform regular maintenance and updates to control systems to ensure consistent performance.
• Generate detailed documentation including system designs, wiring diagrams, programming code, and operational manuals.
• Provide clear and concise reports to project stakeholders on system performance, troubleshooting steps, and improvements.
• Ensure that control systems adhere to electrical safety standards, regulations, and codes.
• Implement safety features and emergency shutdown protocols to protect personnel and equipment.
• Work closely with the electrical engineering team to integrate control solutions seamlessly with electrical systems.
• Communicate effectively with project teams, clients, and other stakeholders to provide updates and address concerns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Proficiency in PLC programming languages, ladder logic, and HMI programming.
• Strong understanding of electrical circuits, sensors, and actuators.
• Experience in troubleshooting control systems and resolving technical issues.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills for conveying technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with electrical safety standards and regulations.
• Project management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet/IP).

Winning Behaviors and Competencies

• Real-time Communication is key to success: We will communicate real-time to our team members and clients.
• Knowing our projects is key to success: Preplanning and continuous planning habits lead to success. We will preplan every project, every time, no exceptions.
• Responsiveness is key to our success: We will deliver on time on all commitments and approach every request with a sense of urgency. This is our differentiator.
• Accountability is key to our success: I have a clear understanding of what I am responsible for and will ensure I have enabled good routines and habits that ensure successful outcomes.
• We are professionals and will hold ourselves to the highest standards: The services and products we deliver will represent this belief. In return we will become role models for our youth, enhance our brand reputation and provide high value outcomes and exceptional experiences for our partners and clients.

CS Erickson is an equal opportunity employer

CS Erickson extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees regardless of an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), disability, marital status, military service, height, weight, genetic information, or any other reason protected by law.

Assistance

CS Erickson is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. CS Erickson will not discriminate against any qualified individual who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.