Controls Engineer

Impact Business Group; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

401(k) match

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Impact Business Group is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to design and implement electrical control systems for custom machinery and automation projects. You will drive concepts through implementation, balancing performance, timelines, and cost while supporting design reviews, documentation, and commissioning.

You’ll work with PLCs, HMIs, CNC systems, and electrical schematics, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver robust solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Experience with electrical controls, industrial automation, and wiring methods.
• Proficiency with PLC, HMI, and CNC programming.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control systems for custom equipment and industrial automation projects.
• Review project requirements and translate specifications into practical engineering solutions.
• Create concept designs and participate in initial design reviews and documentation.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, CNC systems, and related control peripherals.
• Collaborate with project engineering and cross-functional teams throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

CNC programming

Electrical schematics

CAD software

Industrial automation

Root-cause analysis

Project management

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Our client, a local manufacturer of custom machinery, is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer who thrives in a hands-on engineering environment where innovation, collaboration, and technical problem-solving are part of the everyday work. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys designing electrical control systems from concept through implementation while balancing performance, project timelines, and cost objectives. The Electrical Controls Engineer will play a key role in the development of custom machinery and automated systems, supporting projects from initial design reviews through final documentation and commissioning support. This opportunity offers exposure to a wide variety of technologies including PLCs, HMIs, CNC systems, electrical schematics, and industrial automation equipment. If you enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, working cross-functionally with project teams, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives, this could be an excellent next step in your career.

100% employer-paid medical insurance!

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control systems for custom equipment and industrial automation projects
• Review project requirements and translate specifications into practical engineering solutions
• Create concept designs and participate in initial design reviews
• Develop detailed electrical designs including:
• Electrical schematics
• Control panel layouts
• Bills of materials
• Design calculations
• Software design and testing documentation
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, CNC systems, and related control peripherals
• Collaborate with project engineering and cross-functional teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Support final design reviews, documentation approvals, and system validation activities
• Assist with troubleshooting, commissioning, and technical problem resolution
• Contribute to process improvements, innovation initiatives, and engineering best practices
• Maintain strong communication with internal departments and project stakeholders
• Support occasional travel requirements related to customer sites, startup assistance, or project support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering discipline
• Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, machine controls, and wiring methods
• Experience designing and interpreting:
• Electrical schematics
• Hydraulic schematics
• Pneumatic schematics
• Experience with PLC, HMI, and CNC programming
• Knowledge of electrical engineering standards and industrial automation practices
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills
• Proficiency with CAD software and standard business applications
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting project deadlines

Preferred Experience

• Experience working within manufacturing, automation, or custom machinery environments
• Familiarity with industrial control panel design and integration
• Hands-on commissioning or startup experience
• Exposure to continuous improvement or lean manufacturing initiatives
• Experience collaborating directly with project engineering teams
• Ability to balance technical performance, scheduling, and cost objectives effectively

Titles Encouraged to Apply

• Controls Engineer
• Automation Engineer
• Electrical Design Engineer
• Industrial Controls Engineer
• PLC Programmer
• Electrical Systems Engineer
• Automation Controls Specialist

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Diverse engineering projects with real-world application
• Collaborative technical environment with strong cross-functional teamwork
• Opportunity to work across the full project lifecycle
• Exposure to advanced automation and controls technologies
• Career growth potential within a stable engineering organization
• Opportunity to contribute ideas and process improvements that make a measurable impact

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical insurance through Priority Health HSA match
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) match: Employee contributes 6% Company matches 4.5%