Controls Engineer - Level 3

HS Inc. Automation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Two health insurance plan options

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short-Term Disability (STD) coverage

Opportunities for professional development

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

HS Inc. Automation in Grand Rapids, Michigan is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to provide technical leadership and hands-on design for advanced machine control systems. The role includes managing projects, mentoring team members, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Candidates must have 5+ years of engineering experience, strong skills in PLC programming, and a desire to contribute to a safety-focused environment. Comprehensive health benefits and opportunities for professional development are included.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience designing or troubleshooting automated equipment.
• Intermediate to expert proficiency in electrical and pneumatic design.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for hardware and software issues.

Responsibilities

• Manage time efficiently and continually improve personal work performance.
• Design, implement, and install machine controls and interfaces for automated equipment.
• Lead controls package design for medium and large machines.

Skills

Engineering experience designing or troubleshooting automated equipment

Proficiency in PLC / ladder logic programming

Robotic integration

Proficiency in CAD software

Troubleshooting skills for hardware and software issues

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering

Job description

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to join our automation team, providing technical leadership, mentorship, and hands-on design of advanced machine control systems. This role combines project ownership, team leadership, and direct customer engagement to deliver safe, high-quality automated equipment.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Manage time efficiently and continually improve personal work performance
• Prioritize and coordinate competing project demands to meet milestones and deadlines
• Promote and apply safety-conscious design and build processes
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget
• Maintain a positive, professional attitude toward team members and customers
• Communicate effectively with team members, management, and customers regarding project progress and potential issues
• Assign tasks to team members and ensure project milestones are met
• Develop bills of material (BOMs) and provide technical project guidance and support
• Design, implement, and install machine controls and interfaces for automated equipment, including:
  • Safety systems
  • PLCs and HMIs
  • Peripheral devices
  • MES systems
  • PC-based logic
• Lead controls package design for medium and large machines, ensuring packages are safe, accurate, and meet project scope
• Design electrical and pneumatic schematics
• Interpret mechanical design drawings to define electrical requirements
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software issues
• Mentor team members to continually raise departmental expertise
• Lead the controls team during customer site visits, including installation, startup, and training
• Travel to customer sites as required
• Perform other duties as assigned to support project and business needs

Qualifications & Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent (required)
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of engineering experience designing or troubleshooting automated equipment
• Intermediate proficiency in robotic integration, vision systems, and peripheral handshaking
• Intermediate to expert proficiency in PLC / ladder logic programming
• Intermediate to expert proficiency in CAD software
• Intermediate to expert proficiency in electrical and pneumatic design
• Intermediate to expert proficiency in programming/software languages
• Strong troubleshooting skills for hardware and software issues

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, reach, and use hands throughout the workday
• Frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling of objects weighing 25 lbs or more

Benefits & Perks

• Two health insurance plan options
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-Term Disability (STD) coverage
• Opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and career advancement
• Collaborative, team-oriented, safety-focused work environment