Controls Engineer - Custom Machinery & PLC Expert

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

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Connect Force is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer for a confidential client in Metro Detroit, MI. This is a full-time, direct-hire position focused on designing, developing, and supporting PLC and HMI control systems for custom machinery, with limited travel to customer sites.

You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and machine-build teams, troubleshoot during build and commissioning, and help define controls standards.

Qualifications

• Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer.
• Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, or similar).
• Experience with HMI development, motion control, and industrial networks.
• Background in machine build, automation, or capital equipment environments.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and hands-on mindset.
• Ability to communicate clearly with engineers, technicians, and customers.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Automation Engineer

Troubleshooting

Clear communicator

Tools

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

HMI development

Job description

Connect Force is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer for a confidential client in Metro Detroit, MI. This is a full-time, direct-hire position focused on designing, developing, and supporting PLC and HMI control systems for custom machinery, with limited travel to customer sites.

You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and machine-build teams, troubleshoot during build and commissioning, and help define controls standards.