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Controls Designer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Ford Motor Company

Automation Controls Engineer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$77K - $102K/yr

Process engineering knowledge including Program deliverables/timing and plant operational impact of controls designs * Experience interacting with senior management, process engineering, safety, IT ...

Johnson Controls

Fire Alarm Designer

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

$76K - $104K/yr

What you will do The primary role of the Fire Alarm Designer is to design fire alarm systems for Johnson Controls projects. Acting as a design lead on large complex multi-faceted projects and ...

Actalent

Designer

Sterling Heights, MI

$33 - $38/hr

SolidWorks 3D Control Panel Designer This role focuses on designing sheet metal control panel ... Design sheet metal control panel enclosures and internal electrical controls using SolidWorks 3D.

START

Controls Engineer

Rochester, MI

$70 - $85/hr

Produce robot controls engineering designs and modifications by identifying project objectives and issues * Research and develop robot controls engineering techniques and approaches * Verify and ...

START

Controls Engineer

Rochester Hills, MI

$70 - $85/hr

Produce robot controls engineering designs and modifications by identifying project objectives and issues * Research and develop robot controls engineering techniques and approaches * Verify and ...

Tenneco

Controls Engineer

Marshall, MI

$43.27 - $52.88/hr

As a Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for industrial automation equipment. Responsibilities: * Programmable Logic Controller (PLC ...

Tenneco

Controls Engineer

Marshall, MI

$90K - $110K/yr

As a Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for industrial automation equipment. Responsibilities: * Programmable Logic Controller (PLC ...

Glanbia

Controls Manager

Dewitt, MI · On-site

$116K - $135K/yr

Develop scope and criteria for designs of systems such as instruments, PLCs, HMI, SCADA and controls software in the manufacturing environment. Research and analyze data such as engineering documents ...

Opportunity Group, Inc.

Controls Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Lead Controls Engineer - Low Travel | Custom Automation. We are seeking a Lead Controls Engineer ... Collaborate with Machine Designers and Project Managers to ensure projects are accurate, on time ...

Glanbia

Controls Manager

Dewitt, MI · On-site

$116K - $135K/yr

Develop scope and criteria for designs of systems such as instruments, PLCs, HMI, SCADA and controls software in the manufacturing environment. Research and analyze data such as engineering documents ...

Opportunity Group, Inc.

Controls Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI

$110K - $125K/yr

Lead Controls Engineer - Low Travel | Custom Automation. We are seeking a Lead Controls Engineer ... Collaborate with Machine Designers and Project Managers to ensure projects are accurate, on time ...

Morbark LLC

Controls Engineer

Winn, MI · On-site

$76K - $99K/yr

Under general direction, Controls Software Engineer is responsible for developing and supporting ... This role focuses on designing, developing, testing, and troubleshooting machine control software ...

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All JobsControls Designer JobsControls Designer Jobs in Michigan

Controls Designer information

See Michigan salary details

$15

$33

$54

How much do controls designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls designer in Michigan is $33.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.34 and $39.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior controls engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in automation, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles in industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or large manufacturing often offer salaries in this range, particularly for those managing complex projects or leading teams.

What types of teams or departments do Controls Designers typically collaborate with during a project?

Controls Designers frequently work alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to ensure that control systems are seamlessly integrated into larger automation projects. They also interact with project managers to align on timelines and objectives, and may consult with procurement or manufacturing teams to select suitable components. This cross-functional collaboration is key to ensuring that the designed systems meet performance, safety, and cost requirements throughout the project lifecycle.

What does a controls designer do?

A controls designer develops and implements control systems for machinery and automation processes, often using programming languages like PLC or SCADA. They analyze system requirements, create control diagrams, and test systems to ensure proper operation, typically working with electrical and mechanical components. Strong technical skills and knowledge of industry standards are essential for this role.

What are Controls Designers?

Controls Designers are professionals who design and develop control systems for machinery, equipment, or industrial processes. They create detailed electrical schematics, select control hardware and software, and ensure systems meet safety and operational requirements. Controls Designers often collaborate with engineers and technicians to integrate automation solutions, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance. Their work is essential in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy, where automated control systems improve efficiency and reliability.

What is the difference between Controls Designer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectControls DesignerControls Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering; certifications like PLC or automation certifications are common.Requires similar degrees; often holds professional engineering (PE) license and advanced certifications.
Work EnvironmentDesign-focused, often in office settings or design labs, collaborating with engineers and clients.More fieldwork, testing, and troubleshooting on-site or in manufacturing environments.
Industry UsageUsed in automation system design, control panel layout, and schematic development.Involved in system implementation, testing, and optimization of control systems.

While both roles require technical knowledge of control systems and similar educational backgrounds, Controls Designers primarily focus on creating and drafting control system designs, whereas Controls Engineers are more involved in implementing, testing, and maintaining these systems in real-world settings.

What is the highest paid design job?

Controls Designers typically earn competitive salaries, but the highest paid design jobs are often in specialized fields such as industrial, aerospace, or software design, with senior roles or those requiring advanced certifications commanding higher pay. Executive or lead design positions in large corporations can also be among the top earners in the design industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Controls Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Controls Designer, you need a solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, automation systems, and experience with control panel design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software (such as AutoCAD Electrical), PLC programming, and familiarity with industry standards like NEC or IEC are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex project requirements. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing reliable, efficient, and compliant control systems that meet client and regulatory expectations.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced controls engineers or automation engineers working in specialized industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, or high-tech manufacturing can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with senior roles, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills in PLC programming, control systems, and relevant certifications, along with many years of experience. Such high compensation is uncommon and usually associated with executive-level or highly specialized engineering positions.
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What cities in Michigan are hiring for Controls Designer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Controls Designer job openings:
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Controls Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Designer job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,435 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Designer - Controls Integration

Comau LLC

Southfield, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Under this role Comau recognizes the engineer able to deliver high quality results in in the Automotive Industry:
  • Cycle time chart required deliverable.
  • Create a walk path on a dwf file.
  • Operator ergo studies.
  • Create and Confirm Operator timing.
  • Create machine timing.
  • Create an AutoCAD from ug (cls).
  • Create a part outline.
  • STDS operator timing gm.
  • Create develop xrwd gm.
  • spd reports one of the many outputs from the sdp.
  • ug/nx - create a cls - Controls Layout Sheet.

Duties and Responsibilities
Main areas of responsibilities are critical to success of the Mechanical Design Controls Engineering group is to create documentation that is tailored and standardized to the customer.
  • A Mechanical Designer Controls Engineer will plan and develop a preliminary model.
  • Use design model to define the process.
  • Define the machine and tool concept.
  • Understand the cycle diagrams.
  • Meet all customer requirements, specifications and requests.
  • Achieve time and cost targets.
  • Prepare the documentation for the design reviews hand off to Controls Design.
  • Participate to the design reviews.
  • Provide technical support to the Technical Leaders and Project Engineers.
  • Able to Check, Hi-spot all documentation.

Qualifications
Education:
  • Technical Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering is required.
  • Previous experiences 3-5 years.
  • Mechanical Engineer: Senior level, experience in mechanical design is a plus

Required Knowledge & Skills
  • Knowledge of Siemens UG / NX skills - navigation and observation.
  • Light or heavy automotive body in white (BIW) engineering experience.
  • Strong organizational and planning skills.
  • Close attention to minor details.
  • Ability to follow structured processes and procedures.
  • Strong written and face-to-face communication skills in large and small teams.

Preferred Skills
  • Customer interfacing experience.
  • Siemens Process Designer / eM-Planner.
  • Peripheral automotive BIW departments and their deliverables.
  • Customer (GM, Stellantis,ect) standard deliverables (STDS, WESS, SPD, XRWD).
  • 2D CAD tools.
  • 3D Modeling and or 2D CAD tools.
  • Mechanical Design - 3D Design Phase and or 2D Design Phase.
  • Open issue management.
  • Design for Manufacturing and Assembly.
  • Technical reports creation.
  • MODAPTS certified. Calculate production standards, improve ergonomics, and analyze departmental effectiveness.
  • Leadership qualities.

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