Senior Controls Engineer - Custom Machinery & Commissioning

Connect-Force; Livonia (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401k

PTO

Job summary

Confidential company in Metro Detroit, MI, is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to design and support PLC and HMI control systems for custom machinery. You will work with mechanical, electrical, and machine-build teams, debugging systems through build, test, and customer acceptance, with limited travel for commissioning.

Ideal candidates have a strong troubleshooting mindset and the ability to mentor junior engineers while helping define standards and continuous improvements.

Qualifications

• Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer.
• Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell, Siemens, or similar).
• Experience with HMI development, motion control, and industrial networks.
• Background in machine build, automation, or capital equipment environments.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and hands-on mindset.
• Ability to communicate clearly with engineers, technicians, and customers.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and support PLC and HMI control systems for custom machinery
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineering, machine builders, and electrical teams
• Troubleshoot and debug systems during build, test, and customer acceptance
• Support machine startup, integration, and commissioning (limited travel)
• Help define controls standards, best practices, and continuous improvements
• Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making

Skills

Controls engineering

PLC platforms

HMI development

Motion control

Industrial networks

Troubleshooting

Clear communication

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley

Siemens PLC

HMI tools

Job description

Confidential company in Metro Detroit, MI, is seeking a hands-on Controls Engineer to design and support PLC and HMI control systems for custom machinery. You will work with mechanical, electrical, and machine-build teams, debugging systems through build, test, and customer acceptance, with limited travel for commissioning.

Ideal candidates have a strong troubleshooting mindset and the ability to mentor junior engineers while helping define standards and continuous improvements.