Lead Controls Engineer

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

Job summary

Opportunity Group, Inc. in Kalamazoo, MI is seeking a Lead Controls Engineer for a direct-hire leadership role 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 ideal candidate has 4+ years PLC programming experience, strong troubleshooting and project-management skills, and is authorized to work in the United States. Travel is limited to about 5%.

Qualifications

• 4+ years PLC programming in industrial automation.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
• Authorized to work in the United States (citizen or GC preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of engineers.
• Design and program Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
• Integrate robots and vision systems into equipment.
• Troubleshoot and optimize control systems for reliability.
• Oversee projects from concept to installation and runoff.
• Manage controls-related component selection and ordering.
• Collaborate with machine designers and PMs to stay on time and within scope.

Skills

Leadership

PLC Programming

Allen-Bradley

HMIs

Robotics

Education

BSEE or related engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

SCADA

FactoryTalk

RSLogix/Studio5000

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.