Controls Estimation Engineer

DLN Integrated Systems Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work flexibility

Collaboration with diverse teams

Job summary

DLN Integrated Systems Inc. is looking for a Controls Estimation Engineer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This full-time role involves developing competitive controls system estimates and collaborating with various teams to support automation projects.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in automation, a strong understanding of PLC programming, and a relevant Bachelor’s Degree. The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in automation, controls engineering, or system integration.
• Strong understanding of PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial communication networks.
• Ability to read, interpret, and generate electrical schematics and panel layouts.

Responsibilities

• Develop controls system concepts and budgets for automated systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project alignment.
• Identify risk factors and integration complexities in projects.

Skills

Automation experience

Controls engineering

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical schematics interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Controls Estimation Engineer

Apply Now

Job Description

The Controls Estimation Engineer will be responsible for developing accurate and competitive controls system estimates, conceptual designs, and functional scopes for automated material handling solutions. This position requires experience working with industrial automation—including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, VFDs, robotics interfaces, and conveyor/sortation equipment—and the ability to collaborate closely with all DLN business units including sales, solutions engineering, mechanical, controls, software, and project management. This role is challenged by the need to manage often competing expectations with a highly dynamic sales cycle.

This full-time position is on-site in Grand Rapids, Michigan with some hybrid flexibility.

Immigration sponsorship is not available for this role.

Specific Duties

Controls Estimation & Solutions Development

• Develop controls system concepts, budgets, and BOM-level estimates for conveyor, sortation, AS/RS, AMR, and robotic systems.
• Review and interpret customer RFP requirements, specifications, and functional design expectation
• Influence operational flows, system designs, sales strategies, & DLN Standards
• Produce preliminary system architectures including PLC platforms, network topology, field I/O counts, safety circuits, and HMI needs.
• Support sales and solutions teams by delivering complete controls scope packages, including functional description outlines and cost models.
• Perform in-person site audits & technical presentations

Technical Evaluation & Design Support

• Review controls engineering documentation including electrical drawings, communication architecture diagrams, and control schematics
• Evaluate vendor solutions, panel designs, SCADA blocks, and device-level requirements.

Project & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with mechanical engineering, project managers, and applications engineers to ensure alignment between mechanical scope, throughput expectations, and controls costs.
• Lead concept reviews, estimation reviews, and internal handoffs

Commissioning Insight & Risk Identification

• Apply knowledge of commissioning practices—including I/O validation, PLC/HMI debugging, system checkout, and throughput verification
• Identify risk factors, integration complexity, resource assumptions, and schedule impacts.

Process & Standards Development

• Support refinement of internal estimation tools, controls standards, and design templates.
• Maintain familiarity with new automation technologies used in material handling (including AS/RS, robotics, AMRs)

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

• 5+ years of experience in automation, controls engineering, Software, or system integration.
• Bachelor’s Degree in controls, software, mechanical, mechatronics, robotics, or industrial engineering.
• Strong understanding of PLC programming (Allen Bradley preferred), HMI development (AB or Ignition), and industrial communication networks such as Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, or Profinet
• Familiarity with conveyor/sortation systems and integration of scanners, cameras, and robotics
• Ability to read, interpret, & generate electrical schematics and panel layouts.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts with audiences who have wide ranging skill sets including internal & external stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with estimating or sales engineering in material handling automation.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical.
• Knowledge of safety standards (NFPA 79, NEC).
• Experience with AS/RS, AMRs, AGVs, robotics, or warehouse execution systems.
• Ability to travel occasionally for site visits (≈20%).

Key Measures of Success

• Design clear, correct, and technically sound solutions considering multiple inputs
• Deliver accurate estimations in a timely manner
• Ability to modulate in real time the level of detail required for each opportunity
• Manage multiple opportunities at various different stages simultaneously
• Strong collaboration with all DLN Teams
• Risk Identification & documentation
• Demonstrated growth in knowledge of new automation technologies