Controls Engineer

Position Overview

The Controls Engineer II is responsible for the development, programming, commissioning, and support of industrial control systems for automotive test equipment and automated machinery. This role independently develops PLC, HMI, and robot programs, leads machine startup and commissioning activities, and provides advanced technical troubleshooting and field support for new and existing equipment. The Controls Engineer II collaborates closely with engineering, manufacturing, project management, and field service teams to ensure successful project execution, customer satisfaction, and system performance. Leveraging technical expertise and sound judgment, this position also supports the training and development of engineers while serving as a key resource for customers and stakeholders.

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 activities.
• 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 through on-site and remote support.
• 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 as required 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 to ensure successful project execution.

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), variable frequency drives (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 effectively 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 preferred.
• Experience training engineers, technicians, or field service personnel on controls systems and automation equipment preferred.
• Experience in automotive testing, industrial automation, robotics, or custom machine-building environments preferred.
• Familiarity with legacy control systems and the ability to quickly learn new machine technologies preferred.

Ascential Technologies is a global industrial technology company with operations spanning automotive testing and validation, medical and life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Our Grand Rapids, MI site is part of the Burke Porter Group — a recognized leader in vehicle testing, automation, and end-of-line measurement systems. We build with precision. We operate with purpose. And we’re looking for people who bring that same standard to every part of the business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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