Senior Controls Software Engineer — Flexible Hours & Automation Leader

The Planet Group; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Planet Group is seeking a hands-on Controls Software Engineer in Farmington Hills, MI to design, develop, and commission controls software for automated manufacturing equipment. You will program PLCs, support machine startups, and collaborate with mechanical/electrical teams across the full project lifecycle.

Based in a global manufacturing environment, you will work with customers domestically and internationally, applying motion control and networking knowledge while traveling up to 40% as

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical/Computer Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Computer Science, or equivalent controls experience.
• Minimum 7 years of controls, automation, or machine software engineering experience.
• Experience programming PLCs using Ladder Logic, Function Block, or similar methods.
• Experience with Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or equivalent controls systems.
• Understanding of Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, CANbus, RS232/RS485.
• Experience supporting machine startup, commissioning, and field service.
• Knowledge of motion control, servo drives, and automated machinery.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Strong communication and customer-facing skills; ability to travel up to 40%.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, debug, and commission controls software for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Program PLCs and machine controls using industry‑standard platforms.
• Participate in design reviews with mechanical and electrical engineers.
• Modify and troubleshoot electrical schematics and control systems.
• Configure and support HMI, motion control, and industrial networks.
• Coordinate with project managers to meet schedules and scope.
• Perform machine startup, testing, and factory acceptance activities.
• Interface with customers during execution, installation, and acceptance.
• Support continuous improvement with technical automation solutions.
• Travel up to 40% domestically and internationally.

Skills

PLC programming

Automation platforms (Siemens, Allen‑|

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or Computer Science

Associate's degree or equivalent controls engineering experience

Job description

The Planet Group is seeking a hands-on Controls Software Engineer in Farmington Hills, MI to design, develop, and commission controls software for automated manufacturing equipment. You will program PLCs, support machine startups, and collaborate with mechanical/electrical teams across the full project lifecycle.

Based in a global manufacturing environment, you will work with customers domestically and internationally, applying motion control and networking knowledge while traveling up to 40% as