Junior Controls Engineer

HMS Products; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

HMS Products in Michigan seeks a seasoned Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission custom automation systems for automotive, manufacturing, and related industries. You will lead PLC, HMI, and motion control projects, develop architectures, and ensure robust, safe operation meeting client specs.

The role requires hands-on testing, on-site installation support, and collaboration with mechanical and electrical teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Software, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field (preferred but not required).
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation or custom machine controls.
• Proficiency with PLC/HMI programming (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Siemens TIA Portal, etc.).
• Strong understanding of electrical design, safety circuits, and machine standards.
• Ability to travel to customer sites (10–20%) for installation and commissioning support.
• Experience with C# and Microsoft Visual Studio is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and programming of PLC, HMI, and motion control systems for complex automation projects.
• Develop and review system architectures, I/O layouts, and software design documentation.
• Ensure controls and software systems comply with relevant standards (NFPA 79, NEC, ISO, etc.).
• Integrate, simulate, and test automation systems on-site and in-house.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues; support installation and start-up at customer facilities.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and project management teams for on-time delivery.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

Siemens TIA Portal

Safety systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation

Tools

C#

Microsoft Visual Studio

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, programming, and commissioning of custom automation systems. This role provides advanced technical expertise in controls engineering, ensuring robust, scalable, and safe control solutions that meet client specifications in automotive, manufacturing, and other advanced industries.

Key Responsibilities Leadership

• Lead the design and programming of PLC, HMI, and motion control systems for complex automation projects.
• Develop and review system architectures, I/O layouts, and software design documentation.
• Ensure controls and software systems comply with all applicable standards (NFPA 79, NEC, ANSI/RIA, ISO, safety PLC).
• Integrate, simulate, and test automation systems both in-house and on-site.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues; support installation and start-up at customer facilities.

Project Execution

• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and project management teams to ensure cross-functional alignment and on-time delivery.
• Define technical scope and support project planning, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Manage engineering change requests and maintain version control of all code and documentation.
• Support proposal generation and quoting for new projects by estimating controls/software engineering effort.
• Ensure projects comply with customer specifications, internal standards, and safety requirements.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion continuous improvement in controls development practices (e.g., modular code, version control, simulation tools, diagnostics).
• Evaluate and implement emerging automation technologies (IIoT, Industry 4.0, data analytics, vision systems, safety integration).
• Promote best practices for code reuse, documentation, and testing procedures.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Software, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field. (preferred but not required)
• 5+ years of experience in industrial automation or custom machine controls.
• Proficiency with PLC/HMI programming (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Siemens TIA Portal, etc.).
• Strong understanding of electrical design, safety circuits, and machine standards.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel to customer sites (10–20%) for installation and commissioning support.
• Experience with C# and microsoft visual studio is preferred.