Electrical Controls Engineer

Engtal; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO 80 hours

Sick leave 10 days

Healthcare coverage

401(k) with company match

Dental, vision, and life insurance

Job summary

Engtal's Grand Rapids team is seeking a Controls Engineer to lead design, implementation, and commissioning of custom automation projects.

You will collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop robust control systems, program PLCs/HMI, and validate performance on-site.

This role offers hands-on problem solving, opportunities to grow with an experienced team, and a path from concept to customer run-off.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in controls engineering within a machine-building or industrial automation environment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and HMI systems.
• Experience with robotics.

Responsibilities

• Design control systems for custom-built robotic machinery.
• Program and configure PLCs and HMIs.
• Integrate and test control systems on machines from scratch.
• Create detailed documentation and reports.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI systems

Robotics

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Safety standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Controls Engineering

Job description

Controls Engineer | Custom Automation & Robotics | Grand Rapids, MI

Our client is a leading system integrator delivering custom-engineered automation solutions across the aerospace, energy, medical, military, and general manufacturing industries. They design, build, and commission machines from scratch, seeing each project through to final run-off with the customer.

They are looking for an experienced Controls Engineer to join a close-knit engineering team, taking custom assembly and automation projects from concept through commissioning and final customer run-off.

What You'll Do

Controls System Design

• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to design and develop control systems for custom-built, robotic machinery
• Design control architectures, including selection and integration of sensors, actuators, PLCs, and other hardware components
• Develop and implement control algorithms to achieve desired system performance, accuracy, and reliability

Programming and Implementation

• Program and configure PLCs, HMIs, and other control devices to execute desired control strategies
• Troubleshoot and debug control software to ensure smooth system operation

Integration and Testing

• Integrate control systems with mechanical components, electrical systems, and software applications on machines built from the ground up
• Support and participate in on-site run-off with customers, ensuring machines are fully validated before and after shipment
• Conduct thorough testing and validation of control systems, including simulation and real-world testing, to ensure proper functionality and safety

Documentation and Reporting

• Create detailed documentation, including control system specifications, wiring diagrams, and user manuals
• Generate technical reports summarizing control system designs, testing outcomes, and recommendations

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field
• Solid, hands-on experience in controls engineering within a machine-building or industrial automation environment; someone who can hit the ground running
• Proficiency in PLC programming and HMI systems
• Experience with robotics
• Ability to troubleshoot complex control system issues independently and implement effective solutions
• Excellent communication skills, comfortable working with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Knowledge of safety standards and regulations related to control systems and industrial automation

Why Join This Team

• Work on custom machines built from scratch, including robotics, PLCs, and HMIs, seeing every project through from design to on-site customer run-off
• Be part of an experienced engineering team solving real, hands-on technical challenges rather than working from a template
• Genuine opportunity to grow with a business continually looking for ways to improve its products and offering
• PTO starting at 80 hours, plus 10 days of sick leave
• Healthcare covered 100% (Priority Health)
• 401(k) with 4.25% company match
• Additional benefits: dental, vision, and life insurance