Controls Software Design Engineer – Machine Automation
Location: Lansing, MI
Employment Type: Direct Hire
Travel: Approximately 5%
Compensation: $100-120k, based on experience
A growing industrial equipment manufacturer is seeking a Controls Software Design Engineer to design, program, debug, and commission machine control systems supporting high-volume manufacturing.
This is a hands-on controls engineering role responsible for projects from initial design and PLC/HMI programming through machine build, startup, debugging, run-off, and customer acceptance.
What You’ll Do
Design and develop control systems for automated machinery and machine tools.
Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and machine control systems.
Develop electrical control layouts and select control components.
Create and maintain electrical drawings and project documentation.
Lead controls design reviews with mechanical and project engineering teams.
Support machine build, electrical checkout, startup, debugging, and run-off.
Troubleshoot controls, electrical, and automation issues.
Support commissioning and equipment startup at customer facilities.
Work directly with engineering, manufacturing, service, and customers.
Identify new controls and automation technologies for future machine designs.
Must Have Qualifications
Must Have: 5+ years of experience in Controls Engineering, Controls Design, Automation Engineering, or Machine Controls.
Must Have: Hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
Must Have: Experience designing and commissioning controls for machine tools, automated machinery, industrial automation, or manufacturing equipment.
Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and/or FANUC PLC/control platforms.
Experience programming and troubleshooting HMI systems.
Ability to read and develop electrical schematics and control drawings.
Experience supporting machine startup, debugging, commissioning, and run-off.
Highly Preferred Qualifications
Highly Preferred: Experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC programming.
Highly Preferred: Experience with AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, and/or SolidWorks.
Highly Preferred: Background in machine tools, custom automation, automotive manufacturing, or high-volume production equipment.
Experience with FANUC controls, robotics, or CNC/machine control systems is a plus.
Experience supporting automotive, powertrain, or internal combustion engine manufacturing is a plus.
Bachelor's degree in Controls Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field is preferred.
Ideal Background
Strong candidates may come from machine builders, custom automation integrators, automotive equipment manufacturers, CNC/machine tool companies, robotics integrators, or other industrial automation environments.
This position is primarily based in Lansing, MI, with approximately 5% domestic travel for commissioning and customer support.
