Job Title: Controls Engineer
Location: Detroit, MI
Pay Range: $56 per hour
Job Type: W2 Contract
Expected Hours per Week: 40 hours per week
Schedule: Monday-Friday
Position Summary:
The Controls Engineer serves as a technical resource to skilled trades and production teams, supporting both new and existing manufacturing equipment. This role is responsible for PLC programming, automation system support, troubleshooting production issues, implementing continuous improvement initiatives, and providing advanced technical support for automated equipment, robotics, and control systems. The engineer will work closely with maintenance, production, and engineering teams to maximize equipment uptime, improve performance, and support manufacturing KPIs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide production line support for Siemens PLC, NC, and controls logic programming.
- Design, implement, and maintain industrial control systems and automated manufacturing processes.
- Develop and support PLC, CNC, and HMI hardware and software solutions.
- Configure and integrate sensors, actuators, and other industrial control devices.
- Perform system testing, troubleshooting, debugging, and root cause analysis.
- Support emergency maintenance teams during equipment failures and process interruptions.
- Work with KUKA robotic systems, including modifying robot positions and troubleshooting robot logic.
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, maintenance, and production teams to implement control solutions.
- Maintain documentation including wiring diagrams, control narratives, and program backups.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, quality requirements, and manufacturing specifications.
- Provide technical guidance and training to maintenance and operations personnel.
- Drive continuous improvement projects focused on productivity, quality, and equipment reliability.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field.
- 5-7 years of Controls Engineering or Industrial Automation experience.
- Strong Siemens PLC programming and troubleshooting experience.
- Experience supporting HMI systems, CNC controls, and industrial automation equipment.
- Knowledge of industrial communication protocols including Ethernet/IP, Modbus, and Profibus.
- Experience reading and troubleshooting electrical schematics and control systems.
- Knowledge of instrumentation, sensors, actuators, and control theory.
- Experience troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment and production systems.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with KUKA robotics programming or support.
- Automotive manufacturing experience.
- Knowledge of CAD software.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience with continuous improvement and manufacturing KPI initiatives.
Top 5 Skills:
- Siemens PLC Programming (5-7+ years)
- Industrial Automation & Controls Engineering (5-7+ years)
- HMI, CNC & Industrial Communication Protocols (3-5+ years)
- KUKA Robotics Programming & Troubleshooting (2-5+ years)
- Electrical Controls Troubleshooting & Root Cause Analysis (5-7+ years)
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