Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer | Automotive Test Equipment & Automated MachineryLocation: Grand Rapids, MIEmployment Type: Direct HireOvertime: Time and a half for hours over 45 per week; double time on Sundays and holidaysTravel: 25-40% (domestic and international)About the OpportunityEngtal Staffing and Recruiting is partnering with a leading manufacturer of custom machinery and automotive test equipment in the Grand Rapids area to identify a Controls Engineer. This role is responsible for the development, programming, commissioning, and support of industrial control systems for automotive test equipment and automated machinery. The successful candidate will independently develop PLC, HMI, and robot programs, lead machine startup and commissioning activities, and provide advanced troubleshooting and field support for new and existing equipment. This position works closely with engineering, manufacturing, project management, and field service teams, and serves as a key resource for customers and stakeholders.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop, program, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and robotic control systems for automotive test equipment and automated machineryCollaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and assembly teams to support machine builds, system integration, testing, and commissioningLead machine startup, commissioning, and installation efforts to ensure systems meet performance, quality, and customer requirementsProvide technical support and advanced troubleshooting for new and existing equipment, both on-site and remotelyConfigure and support industrial automation components, including PLCs, HMIs, robots, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and industrial networksRead, interpret, and modify electrical schematics, control drawings, and technical documentation to support projects and system improvementsTrain and mentor Controls Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and Field Service Engineers on machine operation, startup procedures, controls systems, and roboticsCommunicate effectively with customers, project managers, suppliers, and internal teams while managing multiple projects and prioritiesQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be consideredMinimum of 3 years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, machine controls, or a related fieldProficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting, preferably Allen-Bradley platforms; experience with Siemens, Mitsubishi, GE, Omron, or similar control systems is a plusExperience with HMI development, robot programming (Fanuc preferred), VFDs, and industrial control systemsAbility to read, interpret, and modify electrical schematics, control drawings, and engineering documentation using ACADE, EPLAN, or similar softwareStrong understanding of industrial automation systems, including networking, electrical controls, pneumatics, and hydraulicsStrong analytical, troubleshooting, project management, and communication skills, with the ability to support customers and collaborate across multiple teams and projectsAbility and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 25-40% of the timePreferred QualificationsExperience leading machine startups, equipment commissioning, and installation activitiesExperience training engineers, technicians, or field service personnel on controls systems and automation equipmentExperience in automotive testing, industrial automation, robotics, or custom machine-building environmentsFamiliarity with legacy control systems and the ability to quickly learn new machine technologies