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Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Controls Engineer

Lansing, MI · On-site

$100/hr

Controls Software Design Engineer - Machine Automation Location: Lansing, MI Employment Type ... Develop electrical control layouts and select control components. * Create and maintain electrical ...

Controls Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Controls integration and programming of electrical systems for new high-tech automation machines. * Use supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) for networking data communications between ...

Controls Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

Controls Engineer - Allen-Bradley PLC & FANUC Robotics Location: Holland, MI (Onsite) Company ... Troubleshoot electrical controls, robotics, servo systems, drives, vision systems, and automation ...

Controls Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

Controls Engineer - Allen-Bradley PLC & FANUC Robotics Location: Holland, MI (Onsite) Company ... Troubleshoot electrical controls, robotics, servo systems, drives, vision systems, and automation ...

Controls Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

Controls Engineer - Allen-Bradley PLC & FANUC Robotics Location: Holland, MI (Onsite) Company ... Troubleshoot electrical controls, robotics, servo systems, drives, vision systems, and automation ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$76K - $102K/yr

Electrical Controls Engineer - Grand Rapids, Michigan DISHER is partnering with a leading global manufacturer in Grand Rapids, MI to fill their Electrical Controls Engineer position. This company ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Whitehall, MI · On-site

$76K - $101K/yr

Electrical Controls Engineer The Electrical Controls Engineer supports the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of industrial electrical and automation systems in a ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$76K - $102K/yr

Electrical Controls Engineer - Grand Rapids, Michigan DISHER is partnering with a leading global manufacturer in Grand Rapids, MI to fill their Electrical Controls Engineer position. This company ...

Electrical Controls Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$76K - $102K/yr

Electrical Controls Engineer - Grand Rapids, Michigan DISHER is partnering with a leading global manufacturer in Grand Rapids, MI to fill their Electrical Controls Engineer position. This company ...

Controls Engineer

New Boston, MI · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

CONTROLS ENGINEER - SLITTING & BLANKING LINES Company: Target Metal Blanking (TMB) Department ... Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and automation issues on the production floor to minimize ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Middleville, MI · On-site

$91K - $121K/yr

Champion compliance with safety standards, electrical codes, and engineering guidelines. * Designing and troubleshooting of electrical controls systems. * Designing, constructing, integrating ...

Controls Engineer

Warren, MI

$78K - $101K/yr

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Controls ... Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related technical field. Minimum of 3 - 5 years of ...

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Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer information

What is an electrical engineer controls engineer?

Electrical Engineer Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems used to operate electrical equipment and machinery. They apply principles of electrical engineering and automation to ensure that processes run efficiently, safely, and reliably. These engineers often work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and other devices to manage manufacturing processes, building systems, or industrial equipment. Their role may also involve troubleshooting, system integration, and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical engineer controls engineer?

To thrive as an Electrical Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, control systems design, and automation, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical or related engineering fields. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or Siemens/Rockwell credentials is often required. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for designing reliable control systems, troubleshooting issues efficiently, and ensuring seamless integration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

How do electrical engineer controls engineers typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Electrical Engineer Controls Engineers often work closely with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, software developers, and production staff. Their role requires frequent communication to ensure that control systems are properly integrated with mechanical designs and software interfaces. Collaboration is essential during project planning, system commissioning, and troubleshooting phases, as each department’s input impacts the overall functionality and safety of automated systems. This team-based environment also provides opportunities to learn from other engineering disciplines, broadening your technical expertise.

What is the difference between Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectElectrical Engineer Controls EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, controls certifications (e.g., PLC programming)Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certifications (e.g., CAD, HVAC)
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, automation facilities, manufacturingDesign offices, manufacturing plants, HVAC systems
Employer & Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, energy sectorsAutomotive, aerospace, HVAC, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonElectrical Engineer Controls Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer

The main difference between Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer and Mechanical Engineer lies in their focus areas. Electrical Engineers Controls Engineers specialize in automation, control systems, and electrical circuitry, often working with PLCs and sensors. Mechanical Engineers focus on mechanical systems, design, and thermodynamics. Both roles require engineering degrees but differ in technical skills and industry applications, making them distinct yet sometimes overlapping in manufacturing environments.

What do electrical engineer controls engineers do?

Electrical controls engineers design, develop, and maintain control systems used in manufacturing, automation, and industrial processes. They work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and software to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely, often requiring knowledge of electrical circuitry, programming, and system integration.

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer job openings in Michigan as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 3% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Controls Engineer

Lansing, MI • On-site

$100/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

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.