Senior Controls Engineer

JRAutomation; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits starting day 1

Parental leave

Competitive wages

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

JR Automation Technologies, LLC is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design and implement advanced control systems for custom automation equipment in Holland, MI. You’ll lead projects, program PLCs/HMI, and ensure equipment meets customer specifications throughout startup and commissioning.

You will work onsite, collaborate with a skilled engineering team, and travel up to 25% to customer sites. A Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent is preferred, with 4+ years of relevant

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field; technical diploma with college study also acceptable.
• 4+ years of controls/automation experience with strong PLC/HMI and robotics exposure.
• Strong problem solving, communication, and customer-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develops and designs control software using PLCs and HMIs.
• Assesses customer specifications to ensure equipment meets requirements.
• Programs robots and controls to meet customer configurations.
• Performs startup, commissioning, and on-site support at customer facilities.
• Maintains safety practices and documentation for projects.

Skills

PLC/HMI programming

Electrical design knowledge

Robotics programming

Problem solving

Client interaction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Technical Diploma with 3 years study

Tools

PLC programming tools

HMI software

Robot programming platforms

Job description

Location: Holland, Michigan, United States

Job ID: R0141712

Date Posted: 2026-10-29

Company Name: J.R. AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

Job Description:

The Opportunity:

JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world’s leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people, and we’re always looking to strengthen our team across the globe. Join us as a Senior Controls Engineer.

Location Type:

The position is onsite in Holland, MI.

Role Overview:

As a Senior Controls Engineer, you’ll use your expertise to develop and integrate advanced control systems for highly customized automation equipment. Working with a talented team of engineers, you’ll tackle complex technical challenges and bring innovative automation solutions to life. With every project offering something different, you’ll have the opportunity to lead technically, solve unique problems, and continue expanding your expertise.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive wages, medical benefits starting your first day, and paid parental leave
• Opportunity to work on unique, custom automation projects
• A collaborative, engineering-driven environment
• Career growth and skill development opportunities
• A role where craftsmanship and quality truly matter

How You’ll Make an Impact:

• Develops and designs the control software packages utilizing Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and/or Human/Machine Interfaces (HMI).
• Examines and understands customer-supplied specifications in order to ensure the functionality of the equipment meets these specifications.
• Ensures the equipment being started up and commissioned operates in accordance with the customer requirements as outlined in the approved specification.
• Programs robotic and/or controls equipment per the customer specifications.
• Performs preventative maintenance as requested by the customer to ensure minimum downtime and optimum operation of machines and equipment.
• Assists with checking design and details for proper functionality of both his/her work and the work of other engineers.
• Provides timely, required service documentation relating to all functions performed.
• Provides technical support and training to the end-user at the customer facility.
• Ensures products and services continue to be the benchmark within the industry.
• Demonstrates a commitment to safe work practices while on JR Automation or the customer’s premises.
• Other duties as assigned.

Note: This list of responsibilities is not inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering discipline or Technical Diploma with three years of college-level study or related experience or equivalent of. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Intermediate understanding of electrical circuits, electrical panel design, pneumatic design, hydraulic design, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controller), HMIs (Human Machine Interface), robot programming, VFDs (Variable Frequency Drive), servo applications, and device communication networks (DNET, ENET, and Profibus).
• 4+ years of experience.
• Ability to demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Travel up to 25% to customer sites & other JR locations.
• Ability to interact professionally with customers and maintain a positive working relationship, which at times may be under difficult circumstances and/or high- pressure situations.
• Current or prior JR Automation experience, or experience in the automation industry, is strongly preferred.

Disclaimer: JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.

Company Overview:

At JR Automation, A Hitachi Group Company, we discover potential, reimagine limits, and advance industry. When faced with a problem, we find a solution. Together, we push what’s possible to automate for tomorrow.

Join our team of 2,000+ at one of our 20+ facilities around the world and be a part of the most experienced team of advanced automation integrators.

Fueled by Possible.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to [e-mail]. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.