Electrical Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Lowell, MI

JOB OVERVIEW:

Controls Engineer II is responsible for the full engineering lifecycle of custom automation and process control systems. This position executes technical projects from inception through concept validation, programming, system integration, debugging, and final on-site commissioning. The role demands strong technical competency in electrical design and software architecture, combined with a commitment to standard machinery safety protocols. Additionally, the individual collaborates across multi-disciplinary teams to meet project deliverables.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent practical industry experience).
• 5+ years of direct industry experience designing, building, and programming custom industrial automation systems.
• Experience with industrial automation and electrical codes, including NEC, NFPA 79, and RIA TR R15.06.
• Experience in Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley platforms (e.g., Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View) is required. Other platforms (e.g., Siemens TIA Portal, Omron, Mitsubishi) are preferred but not required.
• Must be competent in AutoCAD Electrical.
• Experience with major industrial robot brand (e.g., FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, KUKA) is strongly preferred but not required.
• Strong root-cause analysis, critical thinking, and structured troubleshooting capabilities to address unusual system anomalies.
• Willingness and capability to travel up to 15% domestically and internationally to support system integration at customer facilities.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to accurately follow written procedures and standardized test methods.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Excellent observation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with production teams.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Dependability with consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while maintaining accuracy.
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 lbs. throughout the workday.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Design & Programming

• Controls Architecture:
  • Utilize Programmable Logic Controllers and Human/Machine Interfaces to build comprehensive machine control software architectures.
  • Integrate complex robotics, vision systems, Variable Frequency Drives, and servo applications into the primary control logic.
  • Configure, program, and troubleshoot network communication interfaces across DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, and Profinet protocols.
  • Design and detail comprehensive electrical panel schematics, system layouts, and bill of materials using AutoCAD Electrical.
  • Generate complete pneumatic system diagrams, fluid/hydraulic power schematics, and accurate hardware input/output (I/O) maps.
• Robot Programming:
  • Develop precise robot paths, tool center points, and user/tool frames during machine deployment and integration.
  • Develop offline programming to streamline physical floor integration.

Project Leadership & Execution

• Engineering Standards:
  • Develop reusable code libraries and design best practices to increase team efficiency.
• Specification Review:
  • Examine customer-supplied technical specifications and line requirements.
  • Ensure that physical hardware selections and written programming logic precisely meet functional expectations.
• System Integration & Debug:
  • Coordinate machine power-up, functional validation, and full system debug.
  • Partner directly with build technicians and cross-functional project team members on the build floor.
• Commissioning & Support:
  • Provide direct, on-site startup and commissioning support at customer manufacturing facilities.
  • Deliver technical operation training and formal system handover documentation to clients.
• Safety Assessments:
  • Conduct comprehensive safety assessments and functional risk validations.
  • Ensure human-safe manufacturing interfaces and full compliance with corporate and standard safety protocols.

Collaboration

• Technical Mentorship:
  • Act as a dedicated engineering mentor by coaching and training entry-level controls engineers.
  • Provide technical guidance on programming logic, physical wiring practices, and integration strategies.
• Cross-Functional Communication:
  • Interface professionally with customers under high-pressure plant scenarios.
  • Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, and Sales teams.

*Excellent benefits include medical with a standard PPO plan with deductibles as low as $1,500 and wellness credit up to $750; free concierge primary care; voluntary 401k plan currently matching up to 12%; voluntary dental and vision plans; free telemedicine services; basic life, long and short-term disability coverage.

EOE M/F/D/V

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