PLC Controls Engineer

Nehez Recruiting; Rochester Hills (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Nehez Recruiting is seeking a PLC Controls Engineer in Rochester Hills, MI to design and commission PLC-based control systems for custom manufacturing and testing equipment. You will develop PLC software, HMIs, and machine control architectures while integrating motion control, sensors, and robotics.

The role requires 3+ years of PLC controls experience, a Bachelor's degree in an engineering field, and strong troubleshooting skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Computer Engineering is required.
• Minimum of 3 years PLC controls experience in industrial automation or custom machine building.
• Strong experience programming PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, Beckhoff).
• Experience developing HMI applications using FactoryTalk View, WinCC, Ignition, or similar software.
• Experience with industrial networking, motion control, and machine automation.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical controls, PLC software, and equipment operation in manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC-based control systems for manufacturing and testing equipment.
• Develop PLC software, HMI applications, and machine control architecture for automated systems.
• Configure industrial networks/protocols (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP).
• Integrate motion control, servo systems, VFDs, sensors, vision, robotics into equipment.
• Create and review electrical schematics and control panel designs.
• Troubleshoot PLC programs and controls during integration, validation, and startup.
• Collaborate with mechanical/electrical/software/manufacturing/project teams.
• Participate in FAT/SAT, customer installations, and commissioning.
• Diagnose control system issues and implement software modifications for improvements.
• Support sales with technical expertise during meetings and proposals.
• Ensure safety standards and customer specs are met.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial networking

Motion control

Electrical schematics

Diagnostics & troubleshooting

Customer interaction

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Computer Engineering

Tools

FactoryTalk View

WinCC

Ignition

AutoCAD Electrical

EPLAN

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Job description

Position Title: PLC Controls Engineer

Location: Rochester Hills, MI

Basic Purpose and Objective

Our client is an established engineering technology company that develops advanced testing, process monitoring, and manufacturing solutions for customers in the automotive and industrial markets. They are seeking a PLC Controls Engineer to join their growing engineering team. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys designing and programming industrial automation systems, integrating advanced manufacturing equipment, and working directly with customers to deliver innovative production solutions.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and commission PLC-based control systems for custom manufacturing and testing equipment.
• Develop PLC software, HMI applications, and machine control architecture for automated production systems.
• Configure industrial networks and communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, and other industrial communication systems.
• Integrate motion control, servo systems, VFDs, sensors, vision systems, robotics, and instrumentation into automated manufacturing equipment.
• Develop electrical control strategies and assist in the creation and review of electrical schematics and control panel designs.
• Troubleshoot PLC programs, electrical controls, and machine performance during system integration, validation, and customer startup.
• Work closely with mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and project engineering teams throughout equipment development.
• Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), customer installations, and commissioning activities.
• Support customers by diagnosing control system issues and implementing software modifications and continuous improvements.
• Assist the sales organization by providing technical expertise during customer meetings and proposal development.
• Ensure all control systems comply with applicable safety standards, customer specifications, and industry best practices.

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of PLC controls engineering experience within industrial automation, manufacturing equipment, or custom machine building.
• Strong experience programming PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley (Rockwell), Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, or Beckhoff.
• Experience developing HMI applications using FactoryTalk View, WinCC, Ignition, or similar software.
• Experience with industrial networking, motion control, and machine automation.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical control systems, PLC software, and machine operation in manufacturing environments.
• Strong understanding of electrical schematics, industrial controls, and automation hardware.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact directly with customers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with manufacturing automation, industrial testing equipment, process monitoring systems, or data acquisition technologies.
• Experience integrating robotics, machine vision systems, barcode readers, and automated inspection equipment.
• Knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes, quality systems, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Familiarity with electrical design software such as AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Experience supporting customer-facing engineering activities, including commissioning and field service.

Compensation & Benefits

Our client offers a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to work on leading‑edge technologies serving global manufacturing customers.