Senior Controls Engineer

CS Erickson; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

CS Erickson Electrical Contractor is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead design, development, and implementation of advanced control systems for electrical projects. You will guide teams, architect solutions, and ensure safety and code compliance while delivering measurable efficiency gains.

The role emphasizes mentoring, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on PLC/HMI programming to create robust automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related field or substantial relevant experience.
• Extensive experience in designing and implementing control systems for electrical projects.
• Proficiency in PLC programming languages, HMI programming, and industrial communication protocols with ability to program from scratch.
• Robot integration experience is preferred.
• Provide technical insight and labor estimates to sales staff for business development opportunities.
• Strong knowledge of control theory, feedback loops, and system dynamics.
• Experience mentoring or leading junior engineers and willingness to lead projects.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and track record of resolving complex control system issues.
• Understanding of electrical circuits, sensors, actuators, and automation technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and integration of complex control systems for diverse projects.
• Mentor junior controls engineers and share knowledge across teams.
• Design and architect control systems considering safety standards and client needs.
• Develop innovative control strategies to optimize performance and energy savings.
• Code and implement PLC, HMI, and related software; ensure robust communication with components.
• Create testing plans and perform simulations to validate systems.
• Analyze performance data and implement improvements for efficiency.
• Document system architecture, specifications, and programming details.
• Communicate progress to stakeholders and ensure compliance with codes and standards.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers, project managers, and clients to achieve project goals.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

PLC programming languages

HMI programming

Industrial communication protocols

Robot integration

Job description

About the role

CS Erickson Electrical Contractor is seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced control systems for a variety of electrical projects. As a Senior Controls Engineer, you will play a critical role in shaping the direction of our automation and control solutions, ensuring their efficiency, safety, and adherence to industry standards.

What you’ll do

• Provide technical expertise and leadership in the design, development, and integration of complex control systems.
• Guide and mentor junior controls engineers, providing guidance, support, and knowledge sharing.
• Lead the design and architecture of control systems, considering project requirements, safety standards, and client needs.
• Develop innovative and effective control strategies to optimize system performance and efficiency.
• Design, code, and implement advanced control algorithms, logic, and software using PLC programming languages, HMI interfaces, and other relevant technologies.
• Integrate control systems with various electrical components, ensuring seamless communication and functionality.
• Develop comprehensive testing plans and methodologies to validate the functionality and performance of control systems.
• Conduct thorough testing, simulations, and troubleshooting to identify and resolve issues.
• Analyze control system performance data to identify opportunities for optimization, efficiency improvement, and energy savings.
• Collaborate with project teams to implement improvements and enhancements to existing control systems.
• Create detailed documentation, including system specifications, architecture diagrams, programming code, and technical reports.
• Provide clear and concise progress reports and technical updates to project stakeholders.
• Ensure that control systems adhere to industry safety standards, regulations, and electrical codes.
• Implement safety features and emergency protocols to ensure personnel and equipment safety.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, project managers, and clients, to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Communicate technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or a related field or 10+ years of relevant experience.
• Extensive experience in designing and implementing control systems for electrical projects.
• Proficiency in PLC programming languages, HMI programming, and industrial communication protocols with the ability to program from scratch.
• Robot integration
• Provide technical insight and labor estimates to sales staff for business development opportunities
• Strong knowledge of control theory, feedback loops, and system dynamics.
• Previous experience in mentoring or leading junior engineers and a willingness to lead projects.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a track record of successfully resolving complex control system issues.
• In-depth understanding of electrical circuits, sensors, actuators, and automation technologies.
• Familiarity with relevant regulations, standards, and codes.
• Ability to conduct and implement an Automation Equipment Risk Assessment
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication skills for effective collaboration and technical presentations

Preferred:

• Degree and 7+ Years experience
• Robot programming and/or simulation
• 2 years of applications or quoting experience

Winning Behaviors and Competencies

• Real-time Communication is key to success: We will communicate real-time to our team members and clients.
• Knowing our projects is key to success: Preplanning and continuous planning habits lead to success. We will preplan every project, every time, no exceptions.
• Responsiveness is key to our success: We will deliver on time on all commitments and approach every request with a sense of urgency. This is our differentiator.
• Accountability is key to our success: I have a clear understanding of what I am responsible for and will ensure I have enabled good routines and habits that ensure successful outcomes.
• We are professionals and will hold ourselves to the highest standards: The services and products we deliver will represent this belief. In return we will become role models for our youth, enhance our brand reputation and provide high value outcomes and exceptional experiences for our partners and clients.

CS Erickson is an equal opportunity employer

CS Erickson extends equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees regardless of an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), disability, marital status, military service, height, weight, genetic information, or any other reason protected by law.

Assistance

CS Erickson is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. CS Erickson will not discriminate against any qualified individual who can perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Recruiter Notice

CS Erickson partners exclusively with recruiters who have a current, signed agreement in place. Recruiters without such an agreement must not present themselves as acting on behalf of CS Erickson. We kindly ask that you do not contact our employees or hiring managers or submit unsolicited resumes. Any resumes received without an approved recruiting agreement will be considered the property of CS Erickson, and no fees will be paid.