Controls Engineer: PLC/HMI for Custom Machinery

Connect-Force; Livonia (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k

Paid time off

Job summary

The Confidential client in Metro Detroit, MI is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to design, build, and optimize PLC and HMI control systems for one-of-a-kind machinery. This role offers limited travel and direct impact on machine performance from concept through commissioning.

You will work closely with mechanical and electrical teams, mentor engineers, and help set standards for controls across projects in a fast-growing manufacturing environment.

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

Controls Engineer / Automation Enginee

PLC platforms (Rockwell / Siemens)

HMI development

Motion control

Industrial networks

Troubleshooting mindset

Clear communication with engineers and

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

HMI development tools

Industrial networks (Ethernet/IP / Profinet)

Job description

The Confidential client in Metro Detroit, MI is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to design, build, and optimize PLC and HMI control systems for one-of-a-kind machinery. This role offers limited travel and direct impact on machine performance from concept through commissioning.

You will work closely with mechanical and electrical teams, mentor engineers, and help set standards for controls across projects in a fast-growing manufacturing environment.