Lead Controls & Automation Engineer

Engtal; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Engtal in the United States is seeking an Automation Engineering Lead to join our established automation and systems integration team. This hands-on role combines technical leadership with ongoing project work, guiding PLC/HMI projects and engineering deliverables while mentoring others.

A player-coach approach helps the team succeed with strong technical direction. Formal direct-report management is not required, but the role emphasizes coaching, delegation, and developing engineers through

Qualifications

• Strong PLC and HMI design, programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with custom automation, systems integration, or engineer-to-order projects.
• Strong understanding of controls architecture and industrial automation.
• Knowledge of electrical documentation, industrial networks, and machine safety.
• Ability to review technical work and make sound controls decisions.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical work through influence.
• Strong communication and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, delegating, or developing other engineers.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical direction and coordination for automation projects.
• Review PLC/HMI designs, programming, and engineering deliverables.
• Support controls architecture, electrical documentation, industrial networks, and machine safety.
• Perform PLC/HMI programming, commissioning, troubleshooting, and debugging.
• Coach and develop engineers through technical guidance and feedback.
• Help engineers take greater ownership of their work and decisions.
• Coordinate with Project Owners, engineering teams, assembly, commissioning, and customers.
• Identify project risks and provide practical recommendations for recovery.
• Support customer-facing technical communication when needed.
• Make timely technical decisions while appropriately escalating significant project risks.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Industrial networks

Machine safety

Leadership by influence

Coaching/mentoring

Cross-functional coordination

Job description

Engtal in the United States is seeking an Automation Engineering Lead to join our established automation and systems integration team. This hands-on role combines technical leadership with ongoing project work, guiding PLC/HMI projects and engineering deliverables while mentoring others.

A player-coach approach helps the team succeed with strong technical direction. Formal direct-report management is not required, but the role emphasizes coaching, delegation, and developing engineers through