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Junior Controls Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Junior Controls Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Position Overview The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, programming ... Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians. Qualifications Education:

Junior Controls Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Position Overview The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, programming ... Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians. Qualifications Education:

Jr. Controls Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

The JR Controls Engineer is expected to inspire and lead their teams by setting the example and driving the 5 C's (Care, Commit, Connect, Communicate, & Celebrate) ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ...

Jr. Controls Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

The JR Controls Engineer is expected to inspire and lead their teams by setting the example and driving the 5 C's (Care, Commit, Connect, Communicate, & Celebrate) ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ...

Jr. Controls Engineer

Detroit, MI

$82K - $106K/yr

The JR Controls Engineer is expected to inspire and lead their teams by setting the example and driving the 5 C's (Care, Commit, Connect, Communicate, & Celebrate) ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND ...

Controls Engineer

Holland, MI · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership * Interface directly with customers during startup and installation Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls ...

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

Mentor junior engineers and support technical decision-making What We're Looking For * Strong experience as a Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer * Proficiency with PLC platforms (Rockwell ...

Controls System Engineer

Warren, MI

$78K - $101K/yr

Eight (8) years of experience as a GM Controls Floor System Engineer, Controls Engineer, Project and Controls Engineer, Mechanical and Electrical Design Engineer, Mechanical Design Jr. Engineer, or ...

Controls System Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Eight (8) years of experience as a GM Controls Floor System Engineer, Controls Engineer, Project and Controls Engineer, Mechanical and Electrical Design Engineer, Mechanical Design Jr. Engineer, or ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Walker, MI · On-site

$92K - $121K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer is a high-impact individual contributor who designs, programs, commissions, debugs, and deploys complex automation systems while informally mentoring junior engineers. A ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Hudsonville, MI · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Apex Controls is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Controls Engineer to join our ... Mentor and train junior engineers and technical staff in process control best practices. * Ensure ...

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Showing results 1-20

Junior Controls Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$29.2K

$62.6K

$95.4K

How much do junior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior controls engineer in Michigan is $62,580.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $69,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Junior Controls Engineer, you generally need a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or control engineering and a solid grasp of automation principles. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, and CAD software, along with relevant certifications like Siemens or Rockwell, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshoot issues efficiently. These competencies are crucial for designing reliable control systems and ensuring smooth operation in industrial environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Junior Controls Engineers when transitioning from academic projects to real-world industrial environments?

Junior Controls Engineers often find that real-world industrial environments present challenges not commonly encountered in academic settings, such as working with legacy systems, managing tight project deadlines, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. Learning to troubleshoot hardware and software issues in live production environments can be daunting, especially when unexpected problems arise. Additionally, adapting to rigorous safety standards and documentation requirements is crucial. However, support from senior engineers and ongoing training typically help new hires navigate these challenges successfully.

What are Junior Controls Engineers?

Junior Controls Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, developing, and maintaining control systems used to operate machinery and processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and automation. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), troubleshoot system issues, and ensure that automated systems are functioning correctly. Their role often involves hands-on work with electrical components and software, as well as collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve efficiency and safety.

What is the difference between Junior Controls Engineer vs Controls Technician?

AspectJunior Controls EngineerControls Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls EngineeringTechnical diploma or associate's degree in electrical or controls technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and troubleshooting of control systems, often in office and lab settingsInstallation, maintenance, and repair of control systems on-site in industrial environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, and engineering firmsIndustrial plants, factories, and automation service providers

While both roles involve working with control systems, Junior Controls Engineers focus on design and development, whereas Controls Technicians primarily handle installation and maintenance. The roles often overlap in industry and credentials but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What job categories do people searching Junior Controls Engineer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Controls Engineer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Junior Controls Engineer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Junior Controls Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior Controls Engineer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,580 per year, or $30.1 per hour.
Junior Controls Engineer

Junior Controls Engineer

HMS Products

Troy, MI • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

The Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, programming, and commissioning of custom automation systems. This role provides advanced technical expertise in controls engineering, ensuring robust, scalable, and safe control solutions that meet client specifications in automotive, manufacturing, and other advanced industries.

Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical Leadership
  • Lead the design and programming of PLC, HMI, and motion control systems for complex automation projects.
  • Develop and review system architectures, I/O layouts, and software design documentation.
  • Ensure controls and software systems comply with all applicable standards (NFPA 79, NEC, ANSI/RIA, ISO, safety PLC).
  • Integrate, simulate, and test automation systems both in-house and on-site.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation issues; support installation and start-up at customer facilities.
Project Execution
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and project management teams to ensure cross-functional alignment and on-time delivery.
  • Define technical scope and support project planning, budgeting, and scheduling.
  • Manage engineering change requests and maintain version control of all code and documentation.
  • Support proposal generation and quoting for new projects by estimating controls/software engineering effort.
  • Ensure projects comply with customer specifications, internal standards, and safety requirements.
Continuous Improvement
  • Champion continuous improvement in controls development practices (e.g., modular code, version control, simulation tools, diagnostics).
  • Evaluate and implement emerging automation technologies (IIoT, Industry 4.0, data analytics, vision systems, safety integration).
  • Promote best practices for code reuse, documentation, and testing procedures.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Software, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field. (preferred but not required)
  • 5+ years of experience in industrial automation or custom machine controls.
  • Proficiency with PLC/HMI programming (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Siemens TIA Portal, etc.).
  • Strong understanding of electrical design, safety circuits, and machine standards.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to travel to customer sites (10–20%) for installation and commissioning support.
  • Experience with C# and microsoft visual studio is preferred.