Lead Controls Engineer

Opportunity Group, Inc.; Byron Township (MI); On-site; USD 115,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Medical, dental, life insurance

Bonus potential

Job summary

Opportunity Group, Inc. is seeking a Lead Controls Engineer in Michigan to lead a small controls team, design and program Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs, and integrate robotics into automated equipment. The role involves overseeing projects from concept through installation, mentoring engineers, and traveling about 10% to support customers. A strong engineering background and leadership ability are essential.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of PLC programming in an industrial automation environment.
• Authorized to work in the United States (citizen or permanent resident).
• Strong leadership, coaching and development abilities for a small controls team.
• Willingness to travel overnight about 10%.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Electrical / Controls Engineers.
• Design and program Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs (ControlLogix / CompactLogix, FactoryTalk).
• Integrate robots and vision systems into automated equipment.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control systems to improve reliability and uptime.
• Oversee projects from concept through installation and runoff.
• Collaborate with Machine Designers and Project Managers to ensure on-time, in-scope results.
• Support customers with minimal overnight travel (10%).

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Project management

Communication

Education

BSEE or related engineering degree

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

RSLogix/Studio 5000

FactoryTalk

AutoCAD

SCADA

Robotics integration

Job description

We are seeking a Lead Controls Engineer for a custom machine builder near SW GR. This is a direct-hire leadership role with minimal overnight travel (around 10%). The ideal candidate has strong Allen-Bradley PLC experience, some exposure to Siemens, and an interest in leading a small controls team.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and mentor a team of Electrical / Controls Engineers.
• Design and program Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs (ControlLogix / CompactLogix, FactoryTalk, etc.).
• Integrate robots and vision systems into automated equipment.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control systems to improve reliability and uptime.
• Oversee projects from concept through installation and runoff.
• Manage controls-related component selection and ordering.
• Collaborate with Machine Designers and Project Managers to ensure projects are accurate, on time, and within scope.
• Support customers as needed with minimal overnight travel (10%).

What we’re looking for:

• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLCs (MicroLogix, ControlLogix/RSLogix/Studio 5000), HMIs, and FactoryTalk.
• Experience with AutoCAD and SCADA is preferred.
• 4+ years of PLC programming in an industrial automation environment.
• Robotics experience (any brand) is a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort being hands-on with equipment.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop other engineers.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and project-management skills.
• Willingness to travel overnight about 10%.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States (citizen or permanent resident).
• BSEE or related engineering degree is preferred but not required for candidates with strong relevant experience.

Compensation & benefits:

• Base salary: $115,000 - $140,000 per year (depending on experience).
• Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), medical, dental, life insurance, bonus potential, and more.