Controls Engineer - Custom Machinery & Commissioning

Connect-Force; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential client in Metro Detroit is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to design and support PLC and HMI control systems for custom machinery, with limited travel.

This role offers direct impact on machine design, build, and commissioning, with strong collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and automation teams.

The position emphasizes technical authority, mentorship, and opportunities within a growing organization.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Controls/Automation Engineer in capital equipment environments.
• Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell, Siemens) and HMI development.
• Hands-on, troubleshooting mindset with shop-floor exposure.
• Limited travel for startup/commissioning is expected.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and support PLC and HMI control systems for custom machinery.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and automation teams.
• Troubleshoot and debug systems during build, test, and customer acceptance.
• Support machine startup, integration, and commissioning (limited travel).
• Help define controls standards and continuous improvements.
• Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making.

Skills

Controls Engineer

Automation Engineer

PLC Platforms

HMI Development

Motion Control

Industrial Networks

Machine Build

Troubleshooting

Clear Communication

Tools

Rockwell/Siemens PLCs

Job description

Confidential client in Metro Detroit is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to design and support PLC and HMI control systems for custom machinery, with limited travel.

This role offers direct impact on machine design, build, and commissioning, with strong collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and automation teams.

The position emphasizes technical authority, mentorship, and opportunities within a growing organization.