Software Controls Engineer

GLOBAL Automation Technologies, LLC; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) Retirement Program

Life Insurance

Short-Term & Long-Term Disability

Tuition Reimbursement

FANUC certified training

Paid technical certifications

Wellness Program

Flexible Spending Accounts

Employee Assistance Program

Generous Holiday & Vacation Program

Job summary

GLOBAL Automation Technologies, LLC is seeking a Software Controls Engineer to lead PLC/HMI/GUI software development for robotic paint, sealer and material handling systems. You will work with cross-functional teams, implement, test, and debug in customer facilities, and travel internationally as needed.

The role demands a bachelor’s in electrical or computer engineering and at least 4 years of PLC/software experience, plus strong communication and leadership skills for customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 4 years of PLC setup and/or PC software programming experience.
• Experience with robotic automation systems and systems engineering.
• Wiring and troubleshooting experience; familiarity with networking protocols.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, or Mitsubishi PLCs.
• Experience with virtual commissioning software (Process Simulate, Emulate3D).
• Strong written and oral communication; customer-focused leadership.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, debug, and implement controls software (PLC/HMI/GUI).
• Collaborate with controls engineers, potentially supervising junior staff.
• Lead software scope from start to runout for projects.
• Write controls specifications and I/O lists.
• Review electrical design and assist integration and startup.
• Create SOPs and project documentation; provide on-site support.
• Train customers and conduct sessions as needed.
• Travel to customer facilities 50–65% (including international).

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical/electronics

PC software programming

Communication skills

Leadership

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering

Equivalent experience

Tools

Process Simulate

Emulate3D

Networking protocols

Job description

GLOBAL Automation Technologies is a FANUC Level 5 Authorized System Integrator delivering turnkey robotic automation for the automotive and advanced manufacturing industries. Founder-owned for 18 years, we have deployed more than 1,000 robots across 22 countries, from Michigan assembly plants to greenfield EV paint shops in the Middle East.

We do more than deliver automation solutions—we invest in people and build careers. Our goal is to help every member of the GLOBAL team grow professionally, develop valuable technical experience, and advance in their career, whether they build a long-term future with us or use their experience at GLOBAL as a foundation for their next opportunity.

This position is a direct-hire role with GLOBAL Automation Technologies. You will be a member of the GLOBAL engineering team and will represent our company while supporting projects within our customers’ facilities. As a GLOBAL engineer, you carry our name, our technical standards, and our commitment to professionalism wherever you are assigned

• Title: Software Controls Engineer
• Reports to: Engineering Manager
• FLSA Status: Exempt, premium pay eligible
• Focus: PLC, HMI, and GUI controls software for robotic paint, dispensing and material handling systems
• Travel: 50-65% including international assignments – cyclic in nature
• Schedule: seven days on occasion during startup and runoff

The Role

We are looking for an engineer specialized in Robotic Software & Controls who will be responsible for software development, implementation, testing, and onsite/in-plant debug and runoff for robotic paint, sealer and material handling applications. You need to be a customer-focused problem-solver who enjoys collaborating with cross-functional teams and have had experience with troubleshooting complex electrical and pneumatic devices, ideally FANUC America robots.

What You Will Own

• Responsible for controls system software (PLC/HMI/GUI) design, programming, debugging and implementation
• Project work with other Controls Engineers and /or supervise/train Associate Engineers
• Work as part of an execution team and assume complete responsibility for system control function from start to finish of the project
• Write controls specifications defining the functional scope of controls and the I/O requirements
• Review and assist the electrical design process
• Support plant floor integration, field installation, startup, and systems troubleshooting
• Write standard operating procedures and system documentation
• Provide ongoing support for systems you have delivered
• Hold customer training sessions as needed
• Regular travel to customer facilities

How Success Is Measured

• Systems that run at startup without a rewrite.
• Debug time on site, and how much of it you close before the customer asks.
• Specs and I/O lists that hold up through electrical design and build.
• Runoff dates met.
• Standard operating procedures and documentation finished, not promised.
• Support calls on your past systems, and how fast they close.
• Associate engineers who can run their own controls scope after you train them.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical or computer engineering, or related technical engineering discipline or equivalent relevant experience
• Minimum 4 years of experience with PLC setup and/or PC software programming
• Experience with systems engineering, design, assembly, preferably related to robotic automation systems
• Wiring and troubleshooting experience
• Familiarity with various networking protocols
• Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, or Mitsubishi PLC
• Experience with virtual commissioning software (Process Simulate, Emulate3D)
• Written and oral communication skills covering software specifications, project status, and technical information
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with an emphasis on customer satisfaction
• Valid passport and eligibility for international work assignments
• 401(k) Retirement Program
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• FANUC certified training and paid technical certifications
• Wellness Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Holiday & Vacation Program

Why GLOBAL

We believe an employer should do more than fill roles—it should help build careers. This belief shapes how we support both the professionals we place and the people who become part of the GLOBAL team.

This role gives you the opportunity to work on new automation systems, engage directly with customers, and see your engineering and programming come to life on the production floor. The experience, technical knowledge, and relationships you build at GLOBAL are intended to strengthen your career well beyond a single project or assignment.

At GLOBAL you see the whole project, from the quote to the runoff signature, and you work directly with company leadership, not through five layers of management.