Senior Controls Designer | Detroit, MI

IMEG; Detroit (MI); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP ownership

Flexible schedule

Professional development

Job summary

IMEG, an employee-owned engineering firm, is seeking a Senior Controls Designer in Detroit, MI to lead control systems design across projects of varying complexity. You will coordinate with engineers, mentor staff, and support PLC/SCADA/HMI programming, including limited on-site work and commissioning.

The role emphasizes project leadership, quality assurance, and collaboration across disciplines to meet client expectations. Travel up to 20% and a hybrid work schedule are typical.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• 7+ years in control systems automation and instrumentation consulting or construction
• Strong design, documentation, and schematic skills
• Proficient in PLC programming and HMI development, with commissioning experience

Responsibilities

• Lead design and engineering for control system projects (PLC/SCADA, motor starters, enclosures)
• Collaborate to develop engineering solutions, hardware specs, submittals
• Perform PLC and HMI programming, commissioning, and on-site implementation
• Ensure QA and standards compliance for client deliverables
• Manage projects including scope, schedule, and execution
• Support proposal development with design scopes and fee estimates
• Develop and maintain project schedules
• Serve as primary contact for internal teams and clients
• Handle monthly billing, financial reporting, and forecasting
• Lead design reviews and provide construction support
• Conduct site visits and manage change orders
• Mentor and train staff and maintain client relationships

Skills

Control system design

PLC programming

HMI programming

Project management

Client relationship management

Mentoring/training

P&ID drawings

Documentation & markup

MS Office

Education

Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Adobe

Bluebeam Revu

MS Office

PLC/SCADA debugging tools

Job description

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

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

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 preferred

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

• 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.

The following equal employment opportunities statement:

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].