Senior Controls Engineer - Automation

Axis Automation; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Growth opportunities

Team-oriented environment

Diverse projects and industries

Direct customer/vendor exposure

Mentoring and knowledge sharing

Job summary

Axis Automation is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to own complex automation projects from concept through customer startup. You will design, program, commission, and debug systems using PLCs, HMI, robotics, and motion control, while guiding a team of engineers across design, build, and integration.

The role requires 5+ years in controls/automation, advanced PLC/HMI/robot programming, and strong root-cause analysis skills. Travel is ~10–20% as needed. Competitive benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of controls/automation experience with full project life cycle.
• Advanced PLC programming, HMI development and robot programming.
• Understanding of electrical/pneumatic schematics, safety systems, and motion control.

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 across multiple projects with budgets and requirements.
• Troubleshoot complex challenges and lead root-cause analysis across controls, wiring, and robotics to develop solutions.
• Collaborate with Mechanical, Build, Electrical, and PM teams to align scope and resolve integration issues.
• Serve as a technical resource, guiding and mentoring Level 1–3 engineers and co-ops.
• Apply and improve engineering standards while maintaining a big-picture view and attention to detail.
• Uphold Axis Automation Operating Principles in daily actions.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial robot programming

Troubleshooting

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Senior Controls Engineer - Automation

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

Salary: $100,000 - $125,000