Senior Control Engineer

Talos Automation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Talos Automation is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer in Grand Rapids, MI, to lead design, programming, and validation of control systems for advanced automation projects.

You will mentor less-experienced engineers, refine control standards, and ensure best practices across projects while supporting machine startups at customer sites with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of controls engineering experience with ownership of complex automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, programming, and validation of control systems for automation projects.
• Define control strategies based on mechanical design, customer requirements, and safety standards.
• Develop and review electrical and pneumatic schematics using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Program and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs (standard and safety).
• Integrate and debug robotic systems, servo motion, and vision systems.
• Troubleshoot complex, system-level electrical, pneumatic, and control issues.
• Lead machine power-up, debugging, commissioning, and customer acceptance.
• Apply and verify machine safety design for electrical and pneumatic systems.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to other engineers.

Skills

Industrial control systems

PLC programming

Robotics

Servo motion control

Vision systems

Safety systems

Pneumatic systems

Diagnostics & troubleshooting

Mentorship

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

High School Diploma

BSEE preferred

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Senior Controls Engineer

Grand Rapids, Michigan | Full-Time

About Us

We design and build custom automation and speciality machines for demanding manufacturing environments. Our senior engineers play a critical role in delivering technically complex systems and raising the overall standard of our work.

We offer competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, and long-term growth opportunities in a collaborative, engineering-driven culture.

The Role

The Senior Controls Engineer is responsible for leading the design, programming, implementation, and validation of control systems for complex automation projects. This position provides technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle, from initial concept and system design through machine startup and commissioning.

In addition to technical execution, the Senior Controls Engineer is responsible for developing and refining control system standards, providing mentorship and technical guidance to less-experienced engineers, and promoting best practices that improve consistency, quality, and problem-solving across the organization.

This position includes moderate travel to support machine startups and customer installations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, programming, and validation of control systems
• Define control strategies based on mechanical design, customer requirements, and safety standards
• Develop and review electrical and pneumatic schematics using AutoCAD Electrical
• Program and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs (standard and safety)
• Integrate and debug advanced robotic systems, servo motion, and vision systems
• Troubleshoot complex, system-level electrical, pneumatic, and control issues
• Lead machine power-up, debugging, commissioning, and customer acceptance
• Apply and verify machine safety design for electrical and pneumatic systems
• Provide mentorship, technical guidance,and design feedback to other engineers
• Identify risks early and communicate solutions clearly to project stakeholders
• Develop, refine, and maintain control system standards and best practices to promote consistency, efficiency, and quality across engineering projects.
• Provide technical mentorship, design reviews, and guidance to other engineers, supporting knowledge sharing and continuous improvement within the engineering team.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma required
• BSEE preferred
• 8+ years of controls engineering experience with demonstrated ownership of complex automation systems
• Valid driver’s license

Skills & Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of industrial control systems, machine safety,and automation standards.
• Proven expertise in PLC programming, safety systems, robotics, servo motion control,and vision systems.
• Multi-Platform Experience: Experience working with multiple industrial automation platforms, manufacturers, and control system technologies, with the ability to adapt to different customer requirements.
• Pneumatic Systems Expertise: Strong working knowledge of pneumatic system design, integration, and troubleshooting within automated equipment.
• Strong system-level troubleshooting, problem-solving, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Ability to independently evaluate technical challenges and make sound engineering decisions.
• Ability to develop and implement control system standards and engineering best practices.
• Ability to provide technical guidance, constructive feedback,and mentorship to other engineers.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Willingness to travel for machine startup,commissioning, and customer support.

Why Work With Us?

• Lead technically challenging, high-impact automation projects
• Influence on how control systems are designed and executed across the organization
• Mentor and support the growth of the engineering team
• Be part of a stable, growing company that values expertise, ownership, and craftsmanship