Controls Engineer Levels 2/3

Axis Automation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

HSA plan

LTD

STD

Life Insurance

401(K) with employer match

Parental leave

Job summary

A dynamic automation company in Grand Rapids is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer, Level 2/3. The role entails designing and implementing control systems for factory automation, involving programming PLCs, HMI, and robotics. Candidates should have at least 2 years of relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree in engineering. This position offers a competitive salary of $75,000-$110,000, with benefits including health insurance and a 401(K) plan. Willingness to travel to customer sites (10%-20%) is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in Controls Engineering and Controls Design.
• Ability to lead larger projects and interface with customers.
• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 10%-20%.

Responsibilities

• Aid in the development of automated work cell system designs.
• Implements tasks in PLC, HMI, and robotics programs.
• Interpret customer specifications effectively.
• Assist with online/debug, device bring-up, FAT/SAT support.
• Professional management of customer relationships.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI design

Robotics handling

Electrical design

Pneumatic system design

Hydraulic system design

Networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in related engineering field

Job description

Overview

Controls Engineer, Level 2/3

Axis Automation is looking for career-oriented Controls Engineers to join a dynamic, tight-knit team creating custom factory automation equipment. We're a company with big ambitions - plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement! Axis leverages the teamwork of our leading engineers and machine builders to conceptualize, design, integrate, deploy and service factory automation systems for forward-thinking manufacturing customers. Our team has decades of automation experience, spanning hundreds of projects and thousands of automation configurations.

Job Description

Controls Engineer, Level 2/3

Axis Automation is looking for career-oriented Controls Engineers to join a dynamic, tight-knit team creating custom factory automation equipment. We're a company with big ambitions - plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement! Axis leverages the teamwork of our leading engineers and machine builders to conceptualize, design, integrate, deploy and service factory automation systems for forward-thinking manufacturing customers. Our team has decades of automation experience, spanning hundreds of projects and thousands of automation configurations.

Position Description: Controls Engineers work with peer groups, Project Managers, Mechanical Engineers, Builders, Technicians and other personnel to design, implement and document control systems for various types of automation and robotic equipment. You will be personally involved with electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic system design, simulation, PLC, HMI, robotic and peripheral device programming, machine debug and validation / buyoff. Travel to customer sites for installation, startup, and support of equipment represents 10-20% of time.

Position Opportunity:

• Controls Engineer, Level 2/3: Minimum 2 years of experience in Controls Engineering and Controls Design, with recognized technical expertise, ability to lead larger projects, interface with customers, support other team members, and be a self-starter.

Responsibilities:

• Aid in the development of electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic system designs of automated work cells.
• Implements tasks in PLC (ladder / basic structured text), HMI, and robot programs within established architecture and standards; performs I/O mapping, device setup, alarms/diagnostics, basic data handling.
• Interpret customer specifications and communicate effectively to produce machinery that meets both customer and Axis Automation specifications.
• Performs first-pass troubleshooting using schematics and code; documents findings and escalates with clear context.
• Adheres to code / electrical standards; keeps backups/change logs, I/O and tag maps, and manuals current for assigned scope.
• Assists with offline/online debug, device bring-up, FAT/SAT support, and on-site startup under supervision; follows test procedures and records results.
• Professional management of customer relationships and requests.
• Communicate with vendors to specify and source major purchased components.
• Works constructively with Mechanical, Electrical, Build and Project Management to resolve issues and protect milestones.
• Champion Our Operating Principles: You will be expected to actively embody and uphold our ten Operating Principles, which guide our every action and decision at Axis Automation. These principles are key to our culture and success.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related engineering field strongly preferred
• 2+ years’ experience in a Controls / automation focused role
• Willing to travel domestically approximately 10%-20%
• Technical Skills:
• PLC: Writes and edits basic ladder routines (e.g., timers/counters, moves, interlocks), follows tag/architecture conventions; can read and make small edits in structured text under review.
• HMI: Builds basic screens, alarms, diagnostics, and data displays; follows UX/tag standards and review feedback.
• Robotics: Teaches points, sets tools/frames, jogs safely, adjusts simple paths; requests guidance for complex logic and coordinated motion.
• Motion: Configures VFD parameters; assists with basic servo axis setup/homing and simple tuning under supervision.
• Safety: Understands lockout/tagout and safety I/O fundamentals; performs functional checks and documentation under guidance to RIA/ANSI requirements.
• Networking: Performs device/IP configuration and basic fieldbus diagnostics (e.g., Ethernet/IP) with checklists.
• Simulation: Runs provided cell simulations and adjusts simple parameters; seeks review for collision/cycle-time conclusions.

Compensation Range: $75,000-$110,000

Benefits: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, HSA plan, LTD, STD, Life Insurance, 401(K) with employer match, Parental leave

Health Benefits are available to our employees with immediate eligibility upon hire