Senior Controls Engineer

Invio Automation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Invio Automation in Grand Rapids is seeking a Controls Engineer to lead projects in automated controls systems. The successful candidate will handle programming, integration, and engineering tasks with a focus on exceeding customer expectations.

Qualifications include 10 years of experience in automated controls, proficiency in PLC programming (Allen Bradley), and an Associate’s Degree in relevant fields. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic team focused on innovative automation solutions.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in automated controls systems.
• Proficiency in Allen Bradley PLC logic, servo motion, and safety controllers.
• Experience with different fieldbus architectures.

Responsibilities

• Participate in design reviews and proposal development.
• Handle engineering, programming, integration, and commissioning.
• Develop project requirements and design specifications.

Skills

PLC Programming Expertise

Robotic Systems Understanding

Vision System Knowledge

Electrical Engineering Fundamentals

System Integration Skills

Problem-Solving Abilities

Education

Associate’s Degree in programming, robotics, controls or engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

EPlan

Job description

Invio Automation is an Industry 4.0 automation leader that serves a variety of high‑growth end‑markets including medical devices & life science, renewable energy, mobility, logistics & fulfillment, and heavy industry. Our Automation Solutions and Automation Technologies divisions work together to deliver Factory of the Future consulting and mission critical R&D pre‑validation services that pave the way for a comprehensive suite of automation solutions where accuracy, efficiency, and precision are essential for success. With five locations across North America and a global network of collaborative partners, Invio Automation’s geographic footprint provides customers with a presence in key markets where local service and support are valued.

Invio Automation’s Solutions division specializes in single station robotic cells, multi‑station fabrication & assembly lines, bonding & welding technologies, vision systems, and packaging process. Application capabilities within our Solutions division include thermal bonding, web handling, force plotting, heat staking, high‑viscosity pumps, precision dispensing, impulse bag sealing, and needle bending. Invio Automation’s Technologies division includes highly differentiated Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for heavyweight applications, turnkey assembly lines, welding automation, and custom lift‑assist & secure tools for safety critical applications.

DESCRIPTION

A Controls Engineer is responsible to work within a project team to provide controls engineering hardware and software knowledge & direction to the organization through review, design, and communication. Our goal is not to meet expectations. Our goal is to exceed expectations and ensure our customers receive an exceptional experience at Invio Automation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in design reviews at all levels, proposal, standards, project, etc.
• Independently handles the engineering, programming, integration, and commissioning of the following:
• Analyze customer requirements and participate in proposal development activities.
• Manage technical solutions to minimize costs while maintaining reliability.
• Coordinate with other departments as necessary to satisfy project requirements.
• Provide industry specific application knowledge and direction.
• Develop project requirements and design specifications.
• Perform detailed system design, implementation and testing.
• Participate in system startup activities.
• Diagnose problems with pneumatic and mechanical systems interfacing with electrical systems.
• Develop tools and integration strategies to increase effectiveness and lower cost.
• Investigate and suggest architecture and technology enhancements.
• Project tasks completed on schedule and under budget.
• Project tasks completed to specifications and checked for accuracy.
• Follow Invio Automation processes and controls work level instructions.
• Controlled code incident management with minimal impact to customer’s production.
• Product cost containment through improved engineered solutions.
• Collaborating with mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and project managers to ensure seamless integration of systems within the overall production line.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be professional, proactive, and positive. Having a passion for exceptional customer service and support is a must. Being sensitive to the unpredictable demands and uncertainties associated with customer service is a requisite to delivering superior results and exceeding the expectations of very demanding customers.

Required Skills

10 years of experience in automated controls systems with the following:

• PLC Programming Expertise:
  • Proficiency in Allen Bradley PLC logic, servo motion, safety controllers, and HMI displays utilizing applicable software.
  • Experience with different fieldbus architectures such as DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus.
• Understanding of robotic systems (most common robotic brands include Fanuc, Kuka, Motoman, Universal Robotics) and integration with a PLC
• Vision System Knowledge:
  • Vision systems to perform part recognition, part position, robot guidance, and quality inspections (most common vision systems used are Fanuc 2D and 3D iR Vision, Keyence, and Cognex)
• Electrical Engineering Fundamentals:
  • Familiarity with electrical circuits, safety circuits, power systems, and motor control techniques. Efficient using AutoCAD electrical to generate control system packages.
• System Integration Skills:
  • Ability to connect different automation components and systems together, including robots, vision systems, sensors, and data acquisition devices.
• Problem‑Solving Abilities:
  • Excellent analytical skills to diagnose complex system issues and implement effective solutions.

Other Skills

• Experience working directly with GM or other OEM manufacturers.
• Experience working with EPlan

EDUCATION

Associate’s Degree (Bachelor’s Degree preferred) in programming, robotics, controls or engineering with 10 years experience working with specialty tooling or related field.

INVIO AUTOMATION’S CORE VALUES

• We take pride in the reliability of our team and the difficult problems we solve for customers.
• We deliver real customer value that positively impacts the lives of those around us.
• We are dependable. Relationships and trust matter.
• Our ingenuity and desire to improve lives will complement our suite of solutions.
• We strive to demonstrate that our attention to detail does not start or end with the solutions we engineer and deliver.
• We believe exceptional service is better demonstrated than said.