Instrumentation Controls Engineer

SURGE Staffing; Troy (MI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care benefits

401(k) with employer match

Bonus incentive program

Paid time off

Hybrid work schedule

Summer hours

Collaborative culture

Job summary

SURGE Staffing in Troy, MI is seeking an experienced Instrumentation & Controls Engineer to design, program, integrate, and commission control systems for complex manufacturing projects. You will work with a team from design through start-up and validation.

The ideal candidate has strong PLC programming skills, hands-on troubleshooting, and Siemens PLC experience (Step 7/S120). Travel 25–40% domestically is required; a hybrid work arrangement is available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical drawings.
• 5+ years designing, building, and programming PLC systems from design through start-up.
• 5+ years ladder logic programming experience.
• Experience with Siemens PLC and drive platforms (Step 7, S120 or similar).
• Experience with engine test cell instrumentation and controls (design, integration, troubleshooting, commissioning).
• Ability to interpret and create P&IDs.
• Strong client service, multi-project management, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically 25–40% for design meetings, installation supervision, and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and review control system architecture, diagrams, control sequences, and design specs.
• Conduct risk and hazard analyses to support safe design and operation.
• Create BOMs, instrument indexes, and other project documentation.
• Develop wiring schematics and control panel layout drawings.
• Program and integrate HMIs and PLCs across multiple platforms (Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, GE, Wago).
• Design, set up, and perform system functionality tests at the facility and sites.
• Prepare wire pull schedules and scope-of-work documents for bidding and construction.
• Perform onsite start-up, commissioning, and validation.
• Complete I/O checkout, troubleshoot systems, calibrate instrumentation, and tune PID loops.
• Validate programming against established control sequences.
• Collaborate with project teams, clients, and contractors and manage changes.

Skills

PLC programming

Ladder logic

Siemens PLC & drives

HMI programming

Troubleshooting

Project collaboration

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Allen-Bradley

Siemens Step 7/S120

GE controls

Wago platforms

Job description

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Location: Troy, MI
Work Environment: Hybrid
Travel: 25–40% domestic travel, including overnight stays

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Instrumentation & Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, integration, and commissioning of control systems for complex research and development, production, process, and industrial projects.

Based in Troy, Michigan, this role collaborates with a team of controls engineers to deliver projects from initial design through equipment start-up and validation. The ideal candidate brings strong PLC programming skills, experience with Siemens PLC and drive platforms, and hands‑on troubleshooting and commissioning expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and review control system architecture, flow diagrams, process and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), control sequences, and design specifications.
• Conduct risk and hazard analyses to support safe system design and operation.
• Create responsibility matrices, instrument indexes, bills of material (BOMs), and other project documentation.
• Develop and review wiring schematics and control panel layout drawings.
• Program and integrate Human‑Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), including Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, GE, and Wago platforms.
• Design, set up, and perform system functionality tests at the manufacturing facility and customer sites.
• Prepare wire pull schedules and scope‑of‑work documents for contractor bidding and construction.
• Perform onsite equipment start‑up, commissioning, and validation.
• Complete input/output (I/O) checkout, troubleshoot systems, calibrate instrumentation, and tune PID loops.
• Validate programming to confirm systems operate according to established control sequences.
• Collaborate with project teams, clients, and contractors while managing changes in deadlines, scope, and design.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience preparing drawings using AutoCAD Electrical.
• At least five years of experience designing, building, and programming PLC systems, including field experience from design through start-up.
• At least five years of ladder logic programming experience.
• Experience with Siemens PLC and drive platforms, such as Step 7, S120, or similar Siemens technologies.
• Experience with engine test cell instrumentation and controls, including design, integration, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
• Ability to interpret and create P&IDs.
• Strong client service skills and the ability to balance multiple projects while adapting to changing requirements.
• Strong technical writing, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem‑solving, organizational, and time management abilities.
• A collaborative approach, initiative to develop professional skills, and the ability to work effectively with internal and external teams.
• Willingness to travel domestically approximately 25–40%, including overnight stays, for design meetings, equipment installation supervision, and commissioning.

Benefits & Work Environment

• Comprehensive health care benefits.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Bonus incentive program.
• Paid time off.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Summer hours.
• A positive, collaborative company culture.