Controls Software Engineer

The Planet Group; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Planet Group is seeking a hands-on Controls Software Engineer in Farmington Hills, MI to design, develop, and commission controls software for automated manufacturing equipment. You will program PLCs, support machine startups, and collaborate with mechanical/electrical teams across the full project lifecycle.

Based in a global manufacturing environment, you will work with customers domestically and internationally, applying motion control and networking knowledge while traveling up to 40% as

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, or equivalent controls experience.
• Minimum 7 years of controls, automation, or machine software engineering experience.
• Experience programming PLCs using Ladder Logic, Function Block, or similar methods.
• Experience with Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or equivalent controls systems.
• Understanding of Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, CANbus, RS232/RS485.
• Experience supporting machine startup, commissioning, and field service.
• Knowledge of motion control, servo drives, and automated machinery.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Strong communication and customer-facing skills; ability to travel up to 40%.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, debug, and commission controls software for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Program PLCs and machine controls using industry‑standard platforms.
• Participate in design reviews with mechanical and electrical engineers.
• Modify and troubleshoot electrical schematics and control systems.
• Configure and support HMI, motion control, and industrial networks.
• Coordinate with project managers to meet schedules and scope.
• Perform machine startup, testing, and factory acceptance activities.
• Interface with customers during execution, installation, and acceptance.
• Support continuous improvement with technical automation solutions.
• Travel up to 40% domestically and internationally.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation platforms (Siemens, Allen‑|

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Associate's degree or equivalent controls engineering experience

Job description

Pay Range: $110,000 - $120,000 annually (DOE)

Work Hours: Full-Time, Monday-Friday. Flexible start time between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Overtime as needed.

Type of Employment (Contract, Contract to Hire, Permanent Hire): Permanent Hire

Job Title: Controls Software Engineer

Location: Farmington Hills, MI (Detroit Metro Area)

Benefits: Competitive Benefits Package

Job Description

Are you a hands‑on Controls Software Engineer who enjoys solving complex automation challenges and seeing projects come to life on the factory floor? This is an exciting opportunity to join a well‑established global manufacturer with a strong reputation for innovation, advanced machining technologies, and engineering excellence.

Based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, this role offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, team‑oriented environment where engineers have direct involvement throughout the full project lifecycle. You'll partner with mechanical, electrical, and project engineering teams to develop cutting‑edge automation solutions, support machine startups and commissioning efforts, and work directly with customers both domestically and internationally.

This is a growth‑focused position with a stable organization that values employee contributions, professional development, open communication, and a strong team culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, debug, and commission controls software for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Program PLCs and machine controls using industry‑standard automation platforms.
• Participate in project design reviews alongside mechanical and electrical engineering teams.
• Modify and troubleshoot electrical schematics and machine control systems.
• Configure and support HMI, motion control, and industrial networking systems.
• Coordinate with project managers to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within scope.
• Perform machine startup, testing, debugging, and factory acceptance activities.
• Interface directly with customers during project execution, installation, and final acceptance.
• Support continuous improvement efforts and provide technical solutions to complex automation challenges.
• Travel up to 40% domestically and internationally to support customer installations and project commissioning.

Requirements:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline; equivalent controls engineering experience will also be considered.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant controls, automation, or machine software engineering experience.
• Experience programming PLCs using Ladder Logic, Function Block, or similar programming methods.
• Experience with one or more major automation platforms such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or comparable controls systems.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, CANbus, RS232, or RS485.
• Experience supporting machine startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and field service activities.
• Knowledge of motion control systems, servo drives, and automated machinery.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and customer‑facing skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross‑functional teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 40% as project needs require.

The Planet Group is a global professional services firm delivering strategic staffing and advisory solutions. We operate at the intersection of talent and transformation – connecting the right people with the right opportunities. Named one of the fastest‑growing private companies in the US, The Planet Group operates with a global reach and a performance‑first mindset. We partner with clients to move fast, stay agile, and drive measurable results – building high‑impact teams that fuel transformation and growth.

EEOC Compliance Statement

The Planet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.