Senior Controls Engineer

Peak Technologies, Inc.; Flint (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Automation Intelligence, a Peak Technologies company, seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to design, develop, and implement advanced control systems for automated equipment and processes. You will lead control system architecture, PLC/HMI programming, and integration of industrial automation components.

The role provides technical leadership, mentors junior engineers, and supports commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement across multiple projects, with travel as needed to customer

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, or related field.
• 7+ years of controls hardware and logic programming experience.
• GCCH and GCCL certifications preferred.
• Experience with EPLAN and AutoCAD required or highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement complex control systems including PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, and safety systems.
• Lead development of control architecture, specifications, and panel layouts.
• Program and debug PLCs and HMIs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens.
• Oversee system integration across electrical, mechanical, and software interfaces.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to logic, hardware, and communications.
• Support commissioning, startup, and optimization at customer sites.
• Review technical documentation and ensure compliance with standards.
• Mentor junior controls engineers and collaborate with project teams.
• Interface with clients and stakeholders to meet project targets.
• Stay informed on industry developments and applicable standards.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Control systems design

Technical leadership

Mentoring juniors

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical/Automation Engineering

7+ years controls experience

GCCH & GCCL certifications

EPLAN and AutoCAD experience

Tools

EPLAN

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Summary & Scope

Automation Intelligence, a Peak Technologies company, Senior Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of advanced control systems for automated equipment and processes. This role leads control system architecture, PLC and HMI programming, and integration of industrial automation components. The Senior Controls Engineer provides technical leadership, mentors junior engineers, and supports complex troubleshooting, commissioning, and continuous improvement efforts across multiple projects.

Automation Intelligence, a Peak Technologies company, Senior Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of advanced control systems for automated equipment and processes. This role leads control system architecture, PLC and HMI programming, and integration of industrial automation components. The Senior Controls Engineer provides technical leadership, mentors junior engineers, and supports complex troubleshooting, commissioning, and continuous improvement efforts across multiple projects.

Key Accountabilities

• Design and implement complex control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, and safety systems.
• Lead the development of control architecture, functional specifications, and control panel layouts.
• Program and debug PLCs and HMIs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent.
• Oversee system integration and ensure compatibility across electrical, mechanical, and software interfaces.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to system logic, hardware, and communications.
• Support commissioning, startup, and optimization of automation systems both on-site and at customer locations.
• Review and approve technical documentation, including schematics, IO lists, and sequence of operations.
• Mentor and support junior controls engineers and technicians, providing guidance on best practices and standards.
• Collaborate with project managers, mechanical and electrical teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and meet performance requirements.
• Stay informed on industry developments, emerging technologies, and applicable standards.
• Ensure all systems meet applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to standardization and continuous improvement of control system design and processes.

EDUCATION + EXPERIENCE + KEY TRAITS

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• 7 years of relevant/transferrable experience in controls hardware and logic programming.
• GCCH and GCCL certifications.
• EPLAN and AutoCAD experience.
• Equivalent technical experience may be considered in place of a formal degree.
• Extensive experience in designing, programming, and troubleshooting industrial control systems.
• Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable systems).
• Strong understanding of control panel design, electrical schematics, and industrial networking protocols.
• Experience with servo/motion systems, safety controllers, and field instrumentation.
• Ability to lead technical discussions and manage system-level integration tasks.
• Effective communication and leadership skills to guide teams and interface with clients and stakeholders.
• Experience supporting system commissioning and field service at customer sites.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel as needed for project support and site work.

Typical Performance Targets

• SERVICE DELIVERY: Sustained, measured excellence in project & process delivery.
• COST TO SERVE: Sustained, measured excellence in delivery efficiency with expected continuous improvement.
• INNOVATION: Step changed delivery in safety, quality, and/or cost.

Language Skills

• Primary language used in daily operations is English. Additional primary company languages include Spanish, French, and Dutch.
• Read and interpret documents, procedure manuals and various correspondence from both internal and external.
• Speak effectively, both individually and before groups of both external customers and/or various levels of employees within the organization.

Supervision

• Role does not require supervision of direct and indirect reports.

DECISION MAKING + REASONING

• Able to take accountability and responsibility for business target delivery and decision making.
• Possess a unique blend of business and technical savvy, a big-picture vision, and the drive to make that vision a reality.

Working Relationships

• Engineering department.
• Production department.
• Project department.