Controls Engineer

Step into a high-impact Controls Engineer contract role where your expertise in PLCs, HMI/SCADA, and electrical design will directly support complex automation projects across diverse industrial environments. You’ll join a team that values precision, reliability, and clear documentation, contributing to control systems that keep production running safely and efficiently.

About the Role:

This role focuses on designing, programming, and commissioning industrial control systems for projects across Michigan, ensuring they meet performance, safety, and customer specifications. You will work closely with project managers, mechanical engineers, and electricians to translate functional requirements into robust control solutions and detailed documentation. Your work will be critical in delivering systems on time, resolving technical issues, and supporting smooth start-up and handover to the end user.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and modify PLC programs (primarily Allen-Bradley and Siemens) for new systems, upgrades, and retrofits.
• Design control panels, including layout, component selection, and wiring details, in AutoCAD or EPLAN.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics and control system documentation to project and client standards.
• Configure and develop HMI/SCADA screens, tags, and alarms to support intuitive operation and monitoring.
• Perform on-site control system troubleshooting, diagnostics, and corrective actions during installation and commissioning.
• Conduct system start-up, testing, and validation to ensure compliance with functional specifications and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and field technicians to resolve integration issues and support successful project delivery.
• Provide technical input for design reviews, change requests, and improvement initiatives throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Controls Engineer or similar role working on industrial automation projects.
• Strong hands-on PLC programming skills with Allen-Bradley (RSLogix/Studio 5000) and Siemens platforms.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or EPLAN for control panel design and electrical schematic development.
• Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and work from electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA development and configuration on common platforms (e.g., FactoryTalk, WinCC, Ignition or similar).
• Solid understanding of industrial control hardware, sensors, drives, and communication networks.
• Ability to troubleshoot control systems systematically and resolve issues under time constraints during commissioning.
• Willingness and ability to work on-site at customer facilities in Michigan as required for installation and start-up.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with safety PLCs, safety circuits, and relevant safety standards.
• Familiarity with VFDs, motion control, and servo systems integration.
• Background in automotive, manufacturing, or process industry environments.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).
• Experience preparing as-built documentation and supporting training for maintenance and operations teams.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, or a related technical field preferred.
• Technical diploma or equivalent experience in industrial controls and automation considered with strong project background.
• Relevant vendor or industry certifications (e.g., Rockwell Automation, Siemens) are an advantage.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to customer sites within Michigan as project needs dictate.

If you’re a detail-focused Controls Engineer who enjoys hands-on work and seeing systems come to life on site, this contract role offers immediate impact and varied technical challenges—apply now to be considered.