We are seeking a Senior Controls Hardware Engineer with deep experience in industrial and machine automation to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for the full hardware design lifecycle of controls, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems for complex automated equipment. Working primarily in ePlan, you will design systems to customer and project specifications, own on-time delivery of your design deliverables, and serve as the technical authority on hardware architecture from concept through build support. You will collaborate closely with customers, project teams, and sales to ensure designs are technically sound, cost-effective, and compliant with all applicable standards.
Key Responsibilities
•       Design controls, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems using ePlan in accordance with customer and project specifications
•       Own on-time delivery of all hardware design deliverables for assigned projects including schematics, panel layouts, and documentation packages
•       Design and specify I/O systems, power distribution architectures, and panel layouts for complex automated machines
•       Define PLC hardware configurations and network architectures including selection of processors, I/O modules, communication cards, and network topology
•       Design safety systems in compliance with applicable standards including functional safety requirements and customer-specific safety specifications
•       Develop detailed bills of materials (BOM) for all hardware components and release items for procurement in a timely manner to support project schedules
•       Work directly with customer engineers to review designs, address compliance requirements, and incorporate feedback throughout the design process
•       Provide technical troubleshooting support during the machine build phase, working with the shop team to resolve hardware design issues
•       Maintain complete and accurate design documentation including schematics, wiring diagrams, BOM revisions, design change records, and as-built updates
•       Support the sales team with technical feasibility assessments and cost estimation for new opportunities and change orders
•       Continuously improve design standards, component libraries, and documentation processes to increase efficiency and reduce cost
Qualifications
•       Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, or Systems Engineering (or equivalent experience)
•       5+ years of experience in controls hardware engineering with a focus on industrial machine automation
•       Prior experience in a custom automation integrator or OEM machine builder environment
•       Proficiency in ePlan for schematic design, panel layout, and documentation generation
•       Strong knowledge of PLC hardware platforms and network architectures (Allen-Bradley, Siemens)
•       Experience designing I/O systems, power distribution, and electrical panel layouts for complex automated equipment
•       Knowledge of industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet, Modbus)
•       Experience with servo/motion control hardware design and drive specification
•       Hands-on experience designing safety systems and working with functional safety standards
•       Solid understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic system design and component selection
•       Experience developing bills of materials and releasing hardware for procurement
•       Demonstrated ability to work directly with customer engineers to ensure design compliance
•       Strong technical troubleshooting skills with the ability to support build teams in resolving hardware issues
•       Familiarity with panel shop standards and third-party certification processes
•       Excellent documentation practices with experience maintaining design records through the full project lifecycle
Preferred Qualifications
•       Experience supporting pre-sales activities including technical feasibility analysis and cost estimation
SAI Systems is a Metro Detroit-based staffing firm founded in 2008. Connecting top talent with the companies that need them most.