Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer (Contract-to-Hire)This contract-to-hire Controls Engineer role offers the opportunity to take ownership of controls projects from concept through completion for a medium-sized material handling organization in the Rockford area. You will primarily focus on software, including PLC and HMI programming, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and customers to deliver automated palletizing and material handling solutions. The position offers significant technical autonomy, exposure to modern tools and systems, and the potential to transition into a long-term strategic role as the business continues to grow.ResponsibilitiesOwn the controls portion of projects from initial concept through commissioning and completion.Develop PLC programs from scratch, primarily using Allen-Bradley platforms, leveraging libraries where appropriate while ensuring custom solutions meet project requirements.Design, configure, and program HMIs, ensuring intuitive operator interfaces and robust functionality.Read, edit, and create redlines within AutoCAD Electrical schematics to support design, troubleshooting, and documentation.Program industrial robots such as Yaskawa Motoman or Fanuc for palletizing and other automated applications, including pattern changes and system adjustments.Work within an ERP system (such as EPICOR) to manage project data, documentation, and workflow, ensuring accurate and timely updates.Collaborate closely with internal teams, including sales, project management, mechanical engineering, technicians, and electricians, to carry projects to successful completion.Travel to customer sites approximately 25–50% of the time (typically 30–40%) for commissioning, troubleshooting, and support activities.Interface directly with customers at their facilities, clearly explaining solutions, setting expectations, and maintaining strong professional relationships.Effectively communicate and manage scope changes at customer sites, such as expanded pattern change requests on palletizing systems, while maintaining project deadlines and deliverables.Participate in troubleshooting and resolving controls, electrical, and robotics issues both on-site and remotely.Support the design portion of projects when desired, contributing to electrical and controls design activities.Document controls logic, HMI configurations, and system changes thoroughly to support future maintenance and upgrades.Provide feedback and continuous improvement ideas related to controls standards, libraries, and processes.Work under the guidance of the engineering leadership team while contributing independently to multiple concurrent projects.Essential SkillsProven experience programming PLCs from scratch using Allen-Bradley platforms.Ability to read, edit, and create redlines within AutoCAD Electrical drawings and schematics.Experience working within an ERP system (EPICOR or similar) to support project execution and documentation.Ability to program industrial robots such as Motoman or Fanuc; proficiency in at least one of these is required.Comfort with 25–50% travel, typically around 30–40% of working days, to support customer sites and project needs.Demonstrated customer interface experience, including explaining technical solutions and setting expectations with stakeholders.Approximately 4–5 years of applicable controls engineering experience if no degree, or at least 2 years of experience with a BSEE.Hands-on experience with controls engineering, including automation, palletizing systems, robotics, and electrical troubleshooting.Proficiency in HMI programming and working with HMI platforms in an industrial environment.Experience with PLC troubleshooting, including diagnosing and resolving controls and electrical issues in the field.Ability to interpret and work from electrical schematics and related documentation.Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to collaborate with internal teams and customers.Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects while maintaining focus on quality and deadlines.Additional Skills & QualificationsBachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) is preferred.For candidates without a BSEE, 4–5 years of relevant controls engineering experience is desired; for candidates with a BSEE, at least 2 years of experience is desired.Experience with electrical design in addition to controls programming.Familiarity with Rockwell Automation platforms and Allen-Bradley PLCs beyond basic programming.Experience with AutoCAD Electrical for electrical design and documentation.Background in designing and supporting palletizing and material handling automation systems.Strong troubleshooting mindset and ability to diagnose complex controls, robotics, and electrical issues.Interest in participating in both software and design aspects of projects, with flexibility to expand responsibilities over time.Willingness to attend advanced technical training sponsored by the company to further develop controls and robotics skills.Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a larger engineering and project team.Work EnvironmentThe role begins as a 9-month contract-to-hire position with the intention of making a strategic long-term hire, subject to ongoing workload. You will report into an engineering leadership structure that supports a team of approximately two dozen professionals across different groups. The work environment emphasizes flexibility, family-first values, and mutual respect for work-life balance. Flexible start and end times are supported, and work-from-home options may be available after the first few months, depending on project needs and circumstances. The headquarters facility is modern and up to date, featuring large windows, collaboration spaces, and a recently added office area. The shop floor is very clean and temperature-controlled, with large doors that can open to bring in fresh air and maintain a comfortable working environment when conditions require. When not traveling, you can expect to split your time between the shop floor and desk work, with a slight emphasis on desk-based programming and design tasks. Travel accounts for approximately 25–50% of working days (typically 30–40%), scheduled 2–3 weeks in advance, with trips that can last up to around 10 days at a time. While traveling, you will work at customer sites to commission equipment, implement changes, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate with customer teams. The organization invests in high-level training, including for contractors, and fosters a culture where new ideas and process improvements are welcome under a forward-thinking engineering leadership.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockford, MI.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $38.00 - $42.00/hr.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Rockford, MI.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.