Axis leverages the teamwork of our leading engineers and machine builders to conceptualize, design, integrate, and service factory automation systems for forward-thinking manufacturing customers.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to take ownership of complex automation projects from concept through customer startup. This is a hands-on, high-impact engineering role responsible for developing controls solutions, solving technical challenges, and helping bring custom automation systems to life. The Senior Controls Engineer serves as a technical cornerstone on projects, bringing controls expertise to complex challenges and providing technical guidance to other engineers throughout project execution.
Key Responsibilities:
Design, program, commission and debug complex automation systems using PLCs, HMIs, robotics, simulations, motion control and safety systems.
Own controls engineering work from concept through runoff, supporting multiple projects across design, build, debug, and customer runoff while maintaining priorities, project requirements, and budgets.
Troubleshoot complex automation challenges and lead root-cause analysis, working across controls, wiring, program execution, robotics, and system integration to develop effective solutions.
Collaborate across disciplines and with customers and vendors, working with Mechanical, Build, Electrical, and Project Management teams to align scope, resolve integration issues, clarify technical requirements, and support component selection.
Serve as a technical resource to the controls team, providing guidance through code reviews, troubleshooting, knowledge sharing, and mentoring of Level 1–3 engineers and co-ops.
Apply and improve engineering standards and practices, contributing to continuous improvement while maintaining a big-picture view of projects and attention to the technical details required for successful execution.
Champion our Operating Principles - You will be expected to actively embody and uphold our ten Operating Principles, which guide our every action and decision at Axis Automation. These principles are key to our culture and success.
Qualifications:
5+ years of controls/automation experience, with multiple projects completed through the full project life cycle.
Advanced experience with PLC programming, HMI development and industrial robot programming.
Strong understanding of electrical and pneumatic schematics, safety systems and motion control including VFDs, servos and auxiliary robot axes.
Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills across controls, wiring, program execution and robotics.
Ability to execute a project independently while communicating effectively with project teams, customers, vendors and other engineers.
Willing to travel approximately 10% - 20%.
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, or related field preferred.
Why Axis:
Comprehensive benefits package with eligibility immediately upon hire
Opportunities for professional and technical growth
Collaborative, team-oriented work environment
Exposure to a wide variety of custom automation projects and industries
Opportunity to work directly with customers and vendors
Hands-on involvement throughout the full project lifecycle
Opportunity to mentor and share technical knowledge with other engineers
Salary: $100,000 - $125,000
Numbers & Facts
Location
Grand Rapids, MI
Salary
$100,000–$125,000 Per Year
Skills
Analysis Skillsunmatched
Automationunmatched
Automation Systemsunmatched
Budgetingunmatched
Code Reviewsunmatched
Communication Skillsunmatched
Component Selectionunmatched
Continuous Improvementunmatched
Control Engineeringunmatched
Debugging Skillsunmatched
Detail Orientedunmatched
Electrical Engineeringunmatched
Electrical Wiringunmatched
Electricityunmatched
Human Machine Interface (HMI)unmatched
Identify Issuesunmatched
Manufacturingunmatched
Manufacturing Automationunmatched
Mentoringunmatched
Motion Controlunmatched
Multitaskingunmatched
People Managementunmatched
Problem Solving Skillsunmatched
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)unmatched
Project Designunmatched
Project Executionunmatched
Project Lifecycleunmatched
Project/Program Managementunmatched
Roboticsunmatched
Root Cause Analysisunmatched
Safety Systemsunmatched
Schematicsunmatched
Startupunmatched
System Integration (SI)unmatched
Team Playerunmatched
Technical Leadershipunmatched
Technical Supportunmatched
Willing to Travelunmatched
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