Controls Engineer Southfield, MI Posted: 5/12/2026
Job Description
Job ID#:
217773
Job Category:
Engineering
Position Type:
Associate - W2
Duration:
DH
We have an outstanding career opportunity for a Controls Engineer to join a leading Company located in the Southfield, MI surrounding area.
As a Controls Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing, implementing, and continuously improving advanced manufacturing and automation systems. You'll work at the intersection of controls engineering, automation, and operational excellence-driving performance, reliability, and innovation across production environments. This role offers hands-on technical ownership, cross-functional collaboration, and the opportunity to influence both current operations and future expansion.
Job Responsibilities:
Analyze machine performance and operational requirements using PLC-based control systems to ensure optimal functionality and efficiency.
Plan, coordinate, and execute assigned automation and controls projects from concept through commissioning, tracking progress and results.
Develop, manage, and forecast capital investment budgets related to controls and automation initiatives.
Serve as the primary technical interface with automation, robotics, and capital equipment suppliers to select and implement control solutions.
Provide controls engineering guidance for new equipment selection, system upgrades, and long-term scalability.
Integrate and network PCs and PLCs using industrial communication protocols (TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP).
Provide timely controls support to troubleshoot issues and minimize production downtime.
Lead and promote lean manufacturing principles, including 5S, OEE, Kanban, Visual Factory, and TPM, to drive operational excellence.
Identify and implement automation and process improvements to increase safety, quality, throughput, and efficiency.
Collaborate internally and externally on controls-related communications, including technical presentations, design reviews, capacity analysis, and feasibility studies.
Partner with Purchasing to evaluate new suppliers, technologies, and automation solutions to maintain a competitive advantage.
Benchmark industry best practices in automation and controls and help incorporate them into internal standards.
Mentor and support Maintenance Technicians, helping to build technical skillsets and strengthen overall team capability.
Support an inclusive workplace by participating in reasonable accommodations as needed to enable essential job functions.
Basic Hiring Criteria:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Programming, or a related technical field.
At least 2 years of experience as a Controls Engineer or Maintenance Technician in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
2-4 years of hands-on PLC programming experience, including:
Allen-Bradley MicroLogix, SLC 500, and ControlLogix (5000 series)
Manual assembly cells, automated assembly systems, and Power & Free conveyor systems
2-4 years of experience programming vision systems (e.g., Cognex, DVT, Keyence).
2-4 years of experience developing and maintaining HMI applications (Allen-Bradley PanelView / PanelView Plus).
At least 2 years of experience working in JIT, SPD, ILVS, or batch manufacturing environments, including broadcast and demand-driven production logic.
Experience with both manual and automated assembly systems, including mechanical and control system integration.
Strong technical skillset including Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, AutoCAD, RSLogix 5000, RSLogix 500, and FactoryTalk View.
Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and cross-functionally.
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
The California Fair Chance Act
Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers