Senior Controls Engineer - Automation

Axis Automation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Growth opportunities

Collaborative environment

Exposure to varied projects

Customer/vendor exposure

Hands-on lifecycle

Mentor engineers

Job summary

Axis Automation in Grand Rapids, MI seeks an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to lead complex automation projects from concept through startup. This hands-on role develops controls solutions, troubleshoots challenges, and mentors engineers throughout project execution.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in controls/automation, advanced PLC/HMI and robot programming skills, and strong knowledge of electrical/pneumatic schematics, safety systems, and motion control.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of controls/automation experience across full project life cycle.
• Advanced PLC programming and HMI development experience.
• Strong understanding of electrical and pneumatic schematics, safety systems, and motion control (VFDs, servos).
• Proven troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills in controls and robotics.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with teams, customers, and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, commission and debug complex automation systems (PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion control).
• Own controls work from concept through runoff across multiple projects.
• Troubleshoot and lead root-cause analysis across controls, wiring, and robotics.
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Build, Electrical and PM teams to align scope and requirements.
• Mentor Level 1-3 engineers and co-ops; perform code reviews and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to engineering standards and continuous improvement while maintaining project focus.
• Champion Axis Automation's Operating Principles in daily work.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial robot programming

Root-cause analysis

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering/Controls or related field

Tools

Electrical schematics

Safety systems

Motion control

Job description

Axis leverages the teamwork of our leading engineers and machine builders to conceptualize, design, integrate, and service factory automation systems for forward-thinking manufacturing customers.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to take ownership of complex automation projects from concept through customer startup. This is a hands-on, high-impact engineering role responsible for developing controls solutions, solving technical challenges, and helping bring custom automation systems to life. The Senior Controls Engineer serves as a technical cornerstone on projects, bringing controls expertise to complex challenges and providing technical guidance to other engineers throughout project execution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, program, commission and debug complex automation systems using PLCs, HMIs, robotics, simulations, motion control and safety systems.
• Own controls engineering work from concept through runoff, supporting multiple projects across design, build, debug, and customer runoff while maintaining priorities, project requirements, and budgets.
• Troubleshoot complex automation challenges and lead root-cause analysis, working across controls, wiring, program execution, robotics, and system integration to develop effective solutions.
• Collaborate across disciplines and with customers and vendors, working with Mechanical, Build, Electrical, and Project Management teams to align scope, resolve integration issues, clarify technical requirements, and support component selection.
• Serve as a technical resource to the controls team, providing guidance through code reviews, troubleshooting, knowledge sharing, and mentoring of Level 1-3 engineers and co-ops.
• Apply and improve engineering standards and practices, contributing to continuous improvement while maintaining a big-picture view of projects and attention to the technical details required for successful execution.
• Champion our Operating Principles - You will be expected to actively embody and uphold our ten Operating Principles, which guide our every action and decision at Axis Automation. These principles are key to our culture and success.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of controls/automation experience, with multiple projects completed through the full project life cycle.
• Advanced experience with PLC programming, HMI development and industrial robot programming.
• Strong understanding of electrical and pneumatic schematics, safety systems and motion control including VFDs, servos and auxiliary robot axes.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills across controls, wiring, program execution and robotics.
• Ability to execute a project independently while communicating effectively with project teams, customers, vendors and other engineers.
• Willing to travel approximately 10% - 20%.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, or related field preferred.

Why Axis:

• Comprehensive benefits package with eligibility immediately upon hire
• Opportunities for professional and technical growth
• Collaborative, team-oriented work environment
• Exposure to a wide variety of custom automation projects and industries
• Opportunity to work directly with customers and vendors
• Hands-on involvement throughout the full project lifecycle
• Opportunity to mentor and share technical knowledge with other engineers

Axis does not currently offer remote positions or relocation assistance.

Grand Rapids, MI.

This position may require access to export-controlled information subject to ITAR.