Controls Engineer

Pop-Up Talent; Plainwell (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Training & development

Job summary

Pop-Up Talent in Plainwell, Michigan seeks an experienced Controls Engineer to design, program, test, and commission industrial automation systems. This role handles projects end-to-end from concept through startup, with Ignition experience highly preferred.

The candidate will design PLC/SCADA systems, coordinate FAT and startup, and ensure schedules meet client expectations. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential in delivering high-accuracy solutions.

Qualifications

• At least 5+ years of hands-on experience delivering full lifecycle PLC/SCADA automation projects.
• Strong proficiency with Rockwell Studio 5000.
• Ability to independently manage automation projects from design through commissioning.
• Excellent troubleshooting, diagnostic, and analytical skills.
• Strong project coordination and time management abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new automation platforms and technologies.
• Preferred: Ignition (Inductive Automation), Client iFIX, Opto 22.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate projects: review scope, develop work plans, schedule FAT, installation, and startup.
• Design, program, test, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Monitor progress, address schedule/budget variances, and coordinate hardware/software procurement.
• Provide technical support and maintain customer relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

PLC/SCADA projects

Independent project management

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Learning new platforms

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

Job description

• We are a well-established engineering and systems integration firm based in Plainwell, Michigan. For over 20 years, we've delivered end-to-end automation and control system solutions across the automotive, food & beverage, water/wastewater, and other industrial sectors
• We're looking for professionals who are thoughtful, self-motivated, and technically driven—individuals who take pride in solving complex engineering challenges with precision, independence, and a steady, methodical approach

POSITION OVERVIEW:

• We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to design, program, test, and commission industrial automation systems across a variety of applications. This role is ideal for someone who can independently manage projects from concept through startup while maintaining exceptional technical accuracy. Experience with Inductive Automation's Ignition platform is highly preferred

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Planning & Project Coordination

• Review project scope and identify key tasks, dependencies, and priorities
• Develop detailed engineering work plans and project schedules
• Assist with project estimating and resource planning
• Coordinate engineering, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), installation, and startup schedules
• Communicate project timelines and milestones with internal teams
• Ensure project deliverables align with customer expectations and success criteria

Technical Engineering

• Design, program, test, and commission PLC, HMI, and SCADA control systems
• Collaborate with engineering team members to ensure successful project execution
• Monitor project progress and address schedule or budget variances
• Coordinate procurement of hardware, software, and vendor-supplied components
• Provide technical support and maintain strong customer relationships throughout the project lifecycle

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• At least 5+ years of hands-on experience delivering full lifecycle PLC/SCADA automation projects
• Strong proficiency with Rockwell Studio 5000
• Ability to independently manage automation projects from design through commissioning
• Excellent troubleshooting, diagnostic, and analytical skills
• Strong project coordination and time management abilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new automation platforms and technologies

Preferred:

Experience with one or more of the following:

• Ignition (Inductive Automation)
• Client iFIX
• Opto 22

TRAVEL:

• Approximately 15% overnight travel
• Regular travel to nearby client sites for project implementation and support

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Technical training and professional development opportunities
• Long-term career growth within a collaborative engineering environment

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are an organization that values diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including minorities and persons with disabilities.