Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Axis Automation; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Axis Automation seeks an experienced Senior Automation Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, and commissioning of custom automation systems for diverse manufacturing customers. You will own projects from concept through customer startup while mentoring fellow engineers and collaborating across disciplines.

You will design and commission systems using PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and simulation software, work with cross‑functional teams, troubleshoot complex challenges, and define technical

Qualifications

• 5+ years in controls/automation with multiple full project lifecycles.
• Strong experience programming PLCs, HMIs, and industrial robots.
• Knowledge of motion control, safety systems, electrical schematics, and system integration.
• Experience supporting projects from concept to startup.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across engineering disciplines.
• Willing to travel 10–20%.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission automation systems using PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and simulation.
• Lead controls engineering across projects from concept to startup.
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Electrical, Build, and PM teams for integration.
• Troubleshoot complex automation challenges and perform root-cause analysis.
• Mentor and review code, promoting engineering best practices.
• Define technical requirements with customers and vendors.
• Improve programming standards and automation technologies.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Robotics

Motion control

Electrical schematics

System integration

Troubleshooting

Mentoring

Cross‑disciplinary collaboration

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering / Controls

Tools

FactoryTalk View

Ignition

Robot simulation

Offline programming

Job description

Axis leverages the teamwork of our leading engineers and machine builders to conceptualize, design, integrate, and service factory automation systems for forward-thinking manufacturing customers.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, and commissioning of custom automation systems. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of projects from concept through customer startup while mentoring fellow engineers, collaborating across disciplines, and delivering innovative automation solutions for a diverse range of industries.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission custom automation systems using PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and simulation software to deliver high-performing, reliable solutions.
• Lead controls engineering efforts across multiple projects, taking ownership from concept and design through machine build, customer runoff, installation, and startup.
• Collaborate closely with Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Build, and Project Management teams to ensure seamless system integration and successful project execution.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation challenges, driving root-cause analysis and implementing long-term solutions.
• Mentor and support fellow controls engineers by sharing technical knowledge, reviewing code, and promoting engineering best practices.
• Partner directly with customers and vendors to define technical requirements, select components, and deliver automation solutions that exceed expectations.
• Continuously improve programming standards, engineering processes, and automation technologies while helping shape the future of our controls team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in controls/automation, with multiple full-project life‑cycles delivered.
• Strong experience programming PLCs, HMIs, and industrial robots.
• Working knowledge of motion control, safety systems, electrical schematics, and automation system integration.
• Experience supporting projects through the full lifecycle, from concept and design through commissioning and customer startup.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex automation systems and develop effective technical solutions.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines and directly with customers.
• A passion for mentoring others, sharing technical knowledge, and contributing to a collaborative engineering culture.
• Willing to travel approximately 10% - 20%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with robot simulation and offline programming.
• Familiarity with FactoryTalk View, Ignition, or similar HMI platforms.
• Experience with servo systems, VFDs, vision systems, and machine safety.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, or related field.
• Comprehensive benefits package with eligibility immediately upon hire.
• Collaborative team environment.
• Opportunities for career growth.
• Exposure to a wide variety of projects across multiple industries.