Senior Controls Engineer – Precision Automation & Startups

Connect Force; Livonia (MI); On-site; USD 115,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect Force Recruiting is assisting a precision machinery manufacturer to hire a Senior Controls Engineer in Farmington Hills, MI. The role focuses on design, programming, troubleshooting, startup, and optimization of advanced automation systems.

Ideal candidates have strong PLC/HMI experience, read electrical schematics, and collaborate across engineering, service, and customer teams. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in controls engineering or related industrial automation.
• Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with HMI development and electrical controls troubleshooting.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Experience with industrial machinery and custom equipment.
• Hands-on troubleshooting in shop-floor, build, or field service.
• Cross-functional teamwork with engineering, service, and production.
• Clear communication of technical issues; safety-focused.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, troubleshoot, and support PLC and HMI programs for advanced machinery.
• Support controls activities for custom builds, upgrades, and retrofits.
• Troubleshoot electrical, software, and machine-control issues during build and startup.
• Work with PLCs, HMIs, drives, sensors, and networks.
• Read schematics and machine layouts; interpret documentation.
• Assist with commissioning, debugging, customer acceptance, and field service.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, service, and production teams.
• Provide technical support for customers and internal teams.
• Contribute to controls standards and documentation.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety compliance

Read technical docs

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Siemens HMIs

TIA Portal

Profinet

Ethernet/IP

Profibus

Job description

Connect Force Recruiting is assisting a precision machinery manufacturer to hire a Senior Controls Engineer in Farmington Hills, MI. The role focuses on design, programming, troubleshooting, startup, and optimization of advanced automation systems.

Ideal candidates have strong PLC/HMI experience, read electrical schematics, and collaborate across engineering, service, and customer teams. Occasional travel may be required.