Senior Controls Designer | Detroit, MI

IMEG; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

IMEG is hiring a Senior Controls Designer in Detroit, MI to lead design and delivery of control systems for projects of any complexity. You will mentor staff, manage budgets, and coordinate with clients and internal teams, supporting PLC and HMI programming and on-site commissioning.

The role emphasizes quality assurance, cross-discipline collaboration, and schedule management across industrial/manufacturing projects with up to 20% travel.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent required.
• 7+ years minimum in control systems automation; 8 years preferred.
• 11+ years minimum; 12 preferred in control systems automation as described.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and engineering for control system projects of all complexities.
• Collaborate with project designers to develop engineering solutions and submittals.
• Perform PLC and HMI programming, commissioning, and on-site implementation as needed.
• Ensure QA of client deliverables and adherence to standards and codes.
• Manage and coordinate projects including scope, schedule and execution.
• Support proposal development with design scopes, fee estimates and contract reviews.

Skills

Design techniques

P&ID drawings

PLC programming

HMI development

Client communication

MS Office

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

Associates degree in Automation/Instrumentation

Tools

Adobe Acrobat

Bluebeam Revu

MS Office Suite

Job description

Senior Controls Designer | Detroit, MI 100% Employee-Owned | Big-firm resources, local-team relationships, ONE IMEG culture IMEG is hiring a Senior Controls Designer in Detroit, MI to lead the design and delivery of control systems for projects of any complexity, working closely with engineers and senior staff to deliver high-quality outcomes. This role includes managing design documentation, specifying system components, overseeing quality assurance, and supporting PLC and HMI programming, including limited on-site implementation and commissioning. You will also maintain project budgets, mentor team members, and collaborate across disciplines to meet project goals and client expectations. The role supports industrial and manufacturing work and includes schedule management, client coordination, billing and forecasting, construction support, and issue resolution.

At a Glance

• Location: Detroit, MI
• Discipline: Controls
• Markets: Industrial; Manufacturing; MEP
• Ownership: 100% employee-owned (ESOP)
• Travel: Up to 20%
• Work Schedule: Full-time hybrid
• Sponsorship: Not available

What You’ll Do

• Lead design and engineering for control system projects of all complexities, including network systems, motor starters, PLC/SCADA, and control enclosures
• Collaborate with Controls Project Designers to develop engineering solutions, hardware specs, and submittal documents
• Perform PLC and HMI programming, commissioning, and on-site implementation as needed
• Ensure quality assurance of client deliverables and adherence to standards and codes
• Manage and coordinate projects of varying sizes, overseeing scope, schedule, and execution
• Support proposal development by assisting with design scopes, fee estimates, and contract reviews
• Develop and maintain project schedules, tracking milestones and deadlines
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams and clients
• Handle monthly billing, financial reporting, and project forecasting
• Lead design reviews, enforce quality control, and provide timely construction support
• Conduct site visits, manage change orders, and resolve client or construction issues
• Mentor and train staff while building and maintaining strong client relationships

What You’ll Bring

• Required Education Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent required
• Experience 7 years of experience minimum required, 8 preferred, in the control systems automation and instrumentation consulting or construction industry
• Experience 11 years of experience minimum required, 12 preferred, in the control systems automation and instrumentation consulting or construction industry

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong expertise in design techniques, tools, and production of technical plans and specifications
• Proficient in interpreting and creating controls documentation, including P&ID (Process & Instrumentation Diagram) drawings and symbols
• Skilled in managing and completing moderately complex control system designs
• Knowledgeable in commissioning processes such as PLC programming, HMI development, IO testing, and drive setup
• Strong technical and analytical skills across all aspects of controls design
• Capable of performing PLC programming and HMI development independently
• Proficient with Adobe and Bluebeam Revu for document handling and markup
• Experienced in mentoring, training, and leading team members
• Able to perform final quality control reviews within area of expertise
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and client relationship-building skills
• Proficient with MS Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to travel up to 20% with occasional overnight stays that may range up to a two week period

Preferred

• Associates degree, or certificate, in Automation and Instrumentation, or Engineering

About the Team

This industrial team brings a process- and manufacturing-oriented focus with strong mechanical, electrical, process engineering, and automation/controls involvement. Its portfolio includes recurring automotive R&D, chemical process, manufacturing support, and some civil and municipal utility work. The team is especially strong in technical industrial environments and production-support infrastructure. Recent work includes Rockford International Airport / Terminal Remoel / Phase 2 - Departures, Transportation; 3M/Misc 2017, Industrial; and Bee Branch / Stormwater Pumping Station, Government (City/County/State).

Why IMEG

We put people at the center of who we are, creating positive outcomes for people, communities, and our planet.

Employee ownership (ESOP), fully vested at all times, with a 3% to 6% company contribution, plus year-end profit sharing.

IDEA Program: a firm-wide innovation accelerator where employees across every discipline develop and scale new tools, from VR and AI to carbon-reduction technology.

PE, SE, and other license exam prep and support, with a clear path from EIT to PE.

Dress for Your Day flexibility (wear what fits your day).

Generous time off, including 6 paid holidays and 3 additional floating holidays.

Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one, with preventive care at 100%, a $50/month wellness credit, and a Calm subscription.

MEG, our in-house AI platform, helps employees find information and build agents that streamline project workflows and calculations.

Bring Your Career to IMEG

IMEG, an employee-owned corporation, is committed to investing in employees’ futures through professional development programs and opportunities for career advancement.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, flexible schedule, and assistance with tuition reimbursement.

Additionally, employees are eligible to enroll in health, dental, vision, and life insurance on their first day of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity

IMEG is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), gender, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), parental status (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation), ethnic origin, hair type (including hairstyle or hair texture), citizenship status, marital status, military service, veteran’s status, political affiliation, non-merit-based factors, or any other characteristic protected by law. In accordance with antidiscrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to put into effect these principles and mandates. IMEG prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. IMEG conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations. All applicants have the right to request access, correction, and deletion of their personal information from our system. In order to make a request, please email [e-mail].

As a people-centered engineering firm we know IMEG’s brand is centered on the technical skills of our people. We are 100% employee-owned and we value the collective abilities, expertise, and continuity of our team members. We understand the importance of an engaged culture and the power of teamwork. We believe in investing in our people and their professional futures through continuous training, community involvement, and the ability to develop a niche specialty. We also believe in committing to the same sustainability ideals we encourage for our clients – a practice of reduce, reuse, and recycle. We are IMEG.