Controls Engineer

TotalEnergies; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Compensation

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off

Retirement Planning

Job summary

A global energy company in Michigan is seeking a skilled Automation Engineer to design and implement automation solutions for manufacturing processes. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in PLC programming, robotics integration, and continuous improvement methodologies. Responsibilities include troubleshooting equipment, developing HMI interfaces, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Competitive compensation and comprehensive health benefits are offered, along with generous paid time off and retirement planning.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with robotics (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, UR).
• Familiarity with MES/IIoT platforms and data collection systems.
• Knowledge of safety circuits and industrial communication protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems.
• Develop HMI interfaces for operator interaction.
• Provide technical support for production equipment.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics

Lean methodologies

Troubleshooting

Data dashboards

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

3+ years of experience in manufacturing automation

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Microsoft Excel

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Automation & Controls Development

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems (e.g., Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, Omron).
• Develop HMI interfaces for operator interaction and real‑time process visibility.
• Implement new automation solutions to support new product introduction (NPI) and industrialization projects.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, motion systems, robotics, and vision systems into automated equipment.

Equipment & Process Support

• Provide technical support for production equipment breakdowns and controls‑related issues.
• Improve equipment uptime by resolving root causes of automation failures.
• Maintain and update electrical schematics, control logic documentation, and system backups.

Project Engineering

• Align with Assembly Engineering activities for equipment installations, upgrades, and process launches.
• Manage project timelines, technical specifications, vendor interactions, and FAT/SAT execution.
• Support process capability validation and ensure automation meets manufacturing requirements.

Manufacturing Optimization

• Analyze production data to identify trends and opportunities for cycle‑time reduction, scrap reduction, and improved repeatability.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Support poka‑yoke (error‑proofing) solutions through automation and sensor integration.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with safety standards (e.g., NFPA 79, OSHA, CE, ISO).
• Support risk assessments (FMEA, safety circuit design, lockout/tagout).
• Develop and maintain control system standards, best practices, and work instructions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• No supervisory responsibilities. Refer to the Organizational Chart for detailed reporting structure.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in high‑volume manufacturing or industrialization environments.
• Hands‑on experience with robotics (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, UR).
• Familiarity with MES/IIoT platforms and data collection systems.
• Experience with CAD electrical design tools (AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
• Lean/Six Sigma training or certification.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, or similar role.
• Demonstrated experience with PLC programming (Ladder Logic, Structured Text).
• Knowledge of robotics, motion control, safety circuits, and industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).
• Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical, mechanical, and software‑driven systems.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Experience with data dashboards.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Familiarity with automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001).

Lean Manufacturing in particular Value Stream Mapping.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment that may include exposure to heat, noise, dust, or chemicals.
• Ability to stand, walk, or lift up to 50 lbs.
• Flexibility to support multiple shifts or off‑hours operations, depending on business needs.

What We Offer

Competitive Compensation

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Company‑Paid Coverage

Generous Paid Time Off

Retirement Planning

Global Opportunities & Local Impact

Hutchinson is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Hutchinson believes that diversity and inclusion among our employees is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Employment at Hutchinson is based on merit, competence, and qualifications, and we are committed to providing equal opportunities for training and advancement for all employees. Hutchinson is also committed to making our application process accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Hutchinson is committed to protecting your personal data and adhering to data protection regulations, including the GDPR. We collect and process your data to provide our services and manage our operations, with measures in place to ensure its security. You have rights regarding your data, including access and erasure. Please refer to our full Privacy Policy for more details and contact information for data protection matters.