Lead Controls Engineer

Opportunity Group, Inc.; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Opportunity Group, Inc. is seeking a Lead Controls Engineer in Kalamazoo, MI with minimal overnight travel (≈5%). You will lead a small controls team and design/program Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs, integrating robots and vision systems.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong PLC experience, and the ability to manage projects from concept through install. US work authorization is required; BSEE is preferred but not mandatory for strong candidates.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and FactoryTalk.
• Experience with AutoCAD and SCADA is preferred.
• 4+ years of PLC programming in an industrial automation environment.
• Robotics experience is a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on with equipment.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop other engineers.

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.
• Manage controls-related component selection and ordering.
• Collaborate with Machine Designers and Project Managers to keep projects on time and within scope.
• Support customers as needed with minimal overnight travel.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMIs

FactoryTalk

SCADA

Robotics

PLC programming

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Project management

Communication

Education

BSEE or related engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

SCADA

Job description

Lead Controls Engineer - Low Travel | Custom Automation.

We are seeking a Lead Controls Engineer for a custom machine builder in the Kalamazoo, MI area. This is a direct-hire leadership role with minimal overnight travel (around 5%). The ideal candidate has strong Allen-Bradley PLC experience, some exposure to Siemens, and an interest in leading a small controls team.

Must be a US Citizen or have a Green Card.

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 (~5%).

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 5%.
• 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: $110,000 - $130,000 per year (depending on experience).
• Comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), medical, dental, life insurance, bonus potential, and more.