Controls Engineer

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

Job summary

Eight Eleven Group seeks a hands-on Automation/Controls Engineer for our Grand Rapids facility. You will assist senior engineers through design, programming, and commissioning of control systems for manufacturing equipment, with focus on PLC ladder logic and HMI/SCADA interfaces.

You will troubleshoot, document, and support industrial networks while contributing to continuous improvement projects and staying hands-on in a dynamic production environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or closely related field.
• 2-5 years of relevant controls/automation experience.
• Solid PLC fundamentals with ladder logic.
• Ability to learn quickly and solve problems practically.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Exposure to PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Opto 22, Phoenix Contact, or Pro-face.
• Familiarity with Opto Flowchart Programming is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of HMI/SCADA like Ignition and FactoryTalk View ME/SE.
• Interest in scripting (Jython/Python).
• Foundational understanding of industrial networking (IP, Ethernet).
• Basic SQL knowledge and reading electrical schematics.

Responsibilities

• Assist in design, programming, and commissioning of control systems for manufacturing equipment.
• Support PLC programming and ladder logic development.
• Assist with HMI/SCADA implementation and maintenance (Ignition, FactoryTalk View).
• Troubleshoot electrical, software, and controls issues to reduce downtime.
• Create and maintain project documentation, schematics, and SOPs.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet).
• Contribute to process improvement and automation projects.

Skills

Automation concepts

PLC fundamentals

HMI/SCADA

Troubleshooting

Documentation

Industrial networking

Continuous improvement

Communication

Learning mindset

Scripting (Jython/Python)

SQL Basics

Electrical schematics

Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000/RSLogix 500

Opto 22

Phoenix Contact

Pro-face

Ignition (Inductive Automation)

FactoryTalk View ME/SE

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering/Mechatronics or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000/RSLogix 5000

Opto 22

Phoenix Contact

Pro-face

Inductive Automation Ignition

Rockwell FactoryTalk View ME/SE

Job description

• System Support & Development: Assist senior engineers in all phases of automation projects, including the design, programming, and commissioning of control systems for new and existing manufacturing equipment.
• PLC Programming: Develop foundational skills in PLC programming, primarily utilizing ladder logic, to support, troubleshoot, and optimize existing equipment.
• HMI/SCADA Implementation: Support the development and maintenance of intuitive operator interfaces (HMI) and plant-wide SCADA systems, gaining exposure to our primary platforms: Inductive Automation Ignition and Rockwell FactoryTalk View (ME/SE).
• Troubleshooting: Participate in diagnosing and resolving electrical, software, and controls-related issues on the plant floor to help minimize equipment downtime and improve system reliability.
• Documentation & Standards: Assist in creating and maintaining essential project documentation, including electrical schematics, program backups, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring adherence to established engineering standards.
• Industrial Networking: Learn to configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks, including EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, and other Fieldbus, ensuring seamless data flow between control devices.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to team initiatives focused on identifying opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and cost reduction through automation solutions.

Qualifications & Skills

Required:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related engineering or technical discipline.
• Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience in a controls or automation-focused role.
• PLC Fundamentals: A solid academic understanding of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and strong foundational knowledge of ladder logic.
• Technical Aptitude: Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and a practical, hands-on approach.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Work Ethic: Motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to take initiative and grow within the field of automation.
• Platform Exposure: Any classroom or internship exposure to specific PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000/RSLogix 5000), Opto 22, Phoenix Contact, or Pro-face.
• Opto Flowchart Programming: Familiarity with or an interest in Opto Flowchart Programming.
• HMI/SCADA Experience: Basic familiarity with or direct exposure to Inductive Automation Ignition and Rockwell FactoryTalk View ME/SE.
• Scripting: An interest in or basic knowledge of scripting languages like Jython or Python.
• Networking: Foundational understanding of industrial networking principles (e.g., IP addressing, Ethernet standards).
• SQL Knowledge: Basic knowledge of SQL or experience with databases in an industrial context.
• Electrical Schematics: Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.

This role primarily operates in a professional office setting, combined with frequent time spent on the manufacturing floor. The successful candidate must be able to work safely in an industrial environment, which may involve noise exposure, moving machinery, and varying temperatures. This position requires a proactive and hands-on approach to learning and problem-solving in a dynamic production environment. This role also includes participation in an on-call rotation for after-hours support.

Eight Eleven Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, citizenship, disability, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.