Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer | Automotive Test Equipment & Automated Machinery

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Overtime: Time and a half for hours over 45 per week; double time on Sundays and holidays

Travel: 25-40% (domestic and international)

About the Opportunity

Engtal 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 Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and robotic control systems for automotive test equipment and automated machinery
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and assembly teams to support machine builds, system integration, testing, and commissioning
• Lead machine startup, commissioning, and installation efforts to ensure systems meet performance, quality, and customer requirements
• Provide technical support and advanced troubleshooting for new and existing equipment, both on-site and remotely
• Configure and support industrial automation components, including PLCs, HMIs, robots, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and industrial networks
• Read, interpret, and modify electrical schematics, control drawings, and technical documentation to support projects and system improvements
• Train and mentor Controls Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and Field Service Engineers on machine operation, startup procedures, controls systems, and robotics
• Communicate effectively with customers, project managers, suppliers, and internal teams while managing multiple projects and priorities

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in controls engineering, industrial automation, machine controls, or a related field
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting, preferably Allen-Bradley platforms; experience with Siemens, Mitsubishi, GE, Omron, or similar control systems is a plus
• Experience with HMI development, robot programming (Fanuc preferred), VFDs, and industrial control systems
• Ability to read, interpret, and modify electrical schematics, control drawings, and engineering documentation using ACADE, EPLAN, or similar software
• Strong understanding of industrial automation systems, including networking, electrical controls, pneumatics, and hydraulics
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, project management, and communication skills, with the ability to support customers and collaborate across multiple teams and projects
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 25-40% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading machine startups, equipment commissioning, and installation activities
• Experience training engineers, technicians, or field service personnel on controls systems and automation equipment
• Experience in automotive testing, industrial automation, robotics, or custom machine-building environments
• Familiarity with legacy control systems and the ability to quickly learn new machine technologies