Controls engineer

iMPact Business Group, Inc.

Grand Rapids, MI

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Allen-Bradley, Automation, Automation Engineering, Automation Systems, Best Practices, Budget Management, Commission Controls, Commissioning, Commissioning - Engineering, Communication Skills, Communications Protocols, Computer Programming, Control Engineering, Control Systems, Electrical Design, Electrical Engineering, Electricity, Field Trials, Human Machine Interface (HMI), Identify Issues, Interpersonal Skills, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Automation, Manufacturing Equipment, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Mechanical Design, Multitasking, Network Protocols, Organizational Skills, Performance Management, Problem Solving Skills, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Project Design, Project Execution, Project Lifecycle, Project Schedule, Project/Program Management, Safety Compliance, Safety Engineering, Safety Standards, Schematics, Startup, System Start-Up, Systems Engineering, Team Player, Technical Support, Testing, Time Management, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Grand Rapids, MI
POSTED
8 days ago
Our client is seeking a talented Controls / Commissioning Engineer to join a growing automation team focused on designing, programming, commissioning, and supporting advanced manufacturing equipment. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys taking projects from concept through startup while working alongside experienced professionals in a collaborative, hands-on environment.  In this role, you'll develop and implement control systems for custom automation equipment, partner with mechanical and electrical design teams, and travel to customer sites for equipment installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting. If you're passionate about industrial automation, PLC programming, and solving complex technical challenges, this position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while continuing to grow your skills.

Responsibilities
  • Design, program, test, and commission industrial automation and machine control systems.
  • Develop PLC and HMI programs that meet customer specifications and internal engineering standards.
  • Support projects from initial design through machine startup and customer acceptance.
  • Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and project teams to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.
  • Troubleshoot electrical controls, PLC logic, HMIs, and machine automation systems during build, testing, and field installation.
  • Identify opportunities to improve system performance and reduce rework throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Ensure equipment complies with applicable safety standards and engineering best practices.
  • Provide on-site installation, startup, commissioning, and technical support at customer facilities.
  • Document programming changes, testing results, and project updates throughout execution.


Qualifications
  • 3-5+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or machine commissioning.
  • Experience programming Allen-Bradley (Rockwell) or Siemens PLCs and HMIs.
  • Strong troubleshooting experience with industrial machine control systems.
  • Knowledge of electrical controls, automation equipment, and manufacturing processes.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Willingness to travel approximately 20-30% for customer installations, startups, and service support.
  • Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience commissioning custom automation or special machine equipment.
  • Familiarity with industrial networking and communication protocols.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics.
  • Experience working directly with customers during equipment startup.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem solving.
  • Collaborative team player with a commitment to delivering high-quality results.

Titles Encouraged to Apply
Candidates with experience in the following roles are encouraged to apply:
  • Controls Engineer
  • Automation Engineer
  • PLC Programmer
  • Controls Systems Engineer
  • Electrical Controls Engineer
  • Commissioning Engineer
  • Automation Controls Specialist

About the Company

i

iMPact Business Group, Inc.