Senior Controls Engineer — End-to-End Automation Lead

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 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.