Senior Control Engineer

Adecco; Canton Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A Senior Controls Engineer role based in Canton, MI is being filled through Adecco for a leading manufacturing and automation organization. The role focuses on designing, integrating, commissioning, troubleshooting, and improving automated production systems with hands-on PLC and electrical controls expertise.

The ideal candidate has strong PLC programming experience, controls knowledge, and the ability to work with internal teams and customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of PLC programming experience.
• Strong experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs, particularly ControlLogix and CompactLogix.
• Experience with Siemens and Automation Direct PLC platforms is a plus.
• 3–5 years of experience with high-speed machinery or automated systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automated control systems and production solutions.
• Develop PLC ladder logic and controls interfaces, including equipment safety parameters.
• Program and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, and Automation Direct PLC systems.
• Design electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and HMI screens.
• Lead internal and customer design reviews.
• Document design, inspection, commissioning, and repair activities.
• Provide remote and onsite technical support.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical controls

Troubleshooting

Hands-on teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley/ControlLogix

CompactLogix

Siemens

Automation Direct

AutoCAD

Job description

Location: Canton, MI

Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time | Salary Exempt

Salary: $100,000–$125,000 annually, based on experience

Travel: Approximately 35%

The Adecco Permanent Recruitment Team is recruiting on behalf of a leading manufacturing and automation organization for a Senior Controls Engineer in Canton, MI. This position will play a key role in developing, integrating, commissioning, troubleshooting, and improving automated production systems. The ideal candidate will have strong PLC programming experience, electrical controls knowledge, and the ability to work hands‑on with both internal teams and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automated control systems and production solutions.
• Develop PLC ladder logic and controls interfaces, including equipment safety parameters.
• Program and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, and/or Automation Direct PLC systems.
• Design electrical schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, HMI screens, and ladder logic documentation using AutoCAD.
• Lead internal and customer design reviews.
• Develop project bills of materials, project timelines, and technical documentation.
• Investigate and test new technologies and automation solutions.
• Upgrade, modify, repair, and improve existing controls and equipment.
• Troubleshoot PLC ladder logic, I/O, sensors, drives, and other controls‑related issues.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and implement automation and process improvements.
• Perform equipment startup, commissioning, and verification both internally and at customer sites.
• Provide remote and onsite technical support.
• Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and other team members to identify problems and implement effective solutions.
• Maintain controls spare-parts inventory and coordinate replacement parts as needed.
• Document design, inspection, commissioning, and repair activities.
• Follow all applicable safety, OSHA, and customer‑specific requirements.
• Travel approximately 35%, including occasional extended stays at customer locations.
• Work occasional weekends and overtime as required by project schedules.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Programming, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of PLC programming experience.
• Strong experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs, particularly ControlLogix and CompactLogix, preferred.
• Experience with Siemens and/or Automation Direct PLC platforms is a plus.
• 3–5 years of experience working with high-speed machinery, automated equipment, or similar industrial systems.
• Strong understanding of PLC ladder logic architecture and programming.
• Experience commissioning new equipment, including motion‑control applications.
• Experience providing both remote and onsite/field technical support.
• AutoCAD experience with electrical schematics, panel layouts, and controls documentation.
• Strong ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, machine prints, and ladder logic.

Technical Skills

• Allen-Bradley/Rockwell ControlLogix and CompactLogix
• Automation Direct
• HMI systems
• AC Drives / VFDs
• Servo systems
• PID control
• Motion control
• PLC I/O
• Photoelectric sensors
• Proximity switches
• Solenoid valves
• Electrical controls and industrial automation
• AutoCAD
• Electrical schematics and panel layouts

Experience with mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems is highly desirable.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will have strong electrical and controls aptitude along with excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills. This role requires someone who is comfortable working hands‑on with equipment, collaborating with individuals at different technical levels, and making sound engineering decisions in both office and production environments.

Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, organizational, and communication skills are essential.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move throughout manufacturing environments.
• Frequently lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work safely in industrial and customer‑site environments.

Travel & Schedule

This position is based in Canton, Michigan and requires approximately 35% travel to customer and project locations. Travel may occasionally involve extended stays depending on project implementation schedules. The position may also require occasional weekends and overtime.