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Lead Controls Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Controls Engineer

Shelby, MI · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

The Controls Engineer will initially support active projects and then transition to completing ... They will take the lead in developing and debugging software for new projects and on new machines.

Controls Engineer

Shelby, MI · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

The Controls Engineer will focus on developing and supporting equipment availability and ... Take lead in supporting machine failures through the maintenance escalation process. I.E ...

Controls Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$80K - $103K/yr

Lead machine start-ups and coordination of installation services * Train other Controls Engineers and Electrical Engineers Required functional competencies / experience / qualifications * BSEE with ...

Controls Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$79K - $102K/yr

Controls Engineer Location: Plymouth, Michigan Work Type: On-Site, Full-Time About This Role As a ... lead times through lean concepts and tools. You'll provide crucial manufacturing and process ...

Controls Project Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Lead controls engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle from concept development through customer acceptance. * Define and maintain technical direction, controls architecture, and ...

New

Controls Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$80K - $103K/yr

Lead machine start-ups and coordination of installation services * Train other Controls Engineers and Electrical Engineers Required functional competencies / experience / qualifications * BSEE with ...

Controls Engineer (3rd Shift) Shift: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (1 hour lunch) Job Type: Full-Time, ... Lead troubleshooting and maintenance escalation for machine failures, including documentation and ...

New

Controls Engineer

Lake Orion, MI

$77K - $99K/yr

CONTROLS ENGINEER JOB SUMMARY: As a Controls Engineer you will have the knowledge of automated ... We lead with respect and humility, are aligned to a common purpose, and hold ourselves accountable ...

Controls Engineer

Utica, MI · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Controls Engineer (3rd Shift) Shift: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (1 hour lunch) Job Type: Full-Time, ... Lead troubleshooting and maintenance escalation for machine failures, including documentation and ...

New

Controls Engineer

Utica, MI · On-site

$70 - $90/hr

The Controls Engineer will focus on developing and supporting equipment availability and ... Take lead in supporting machine failures through the maintenance escalation process. I.E ...

Director of Controls

New Baltimore, MI · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Lead, coach, develop, and hold accountable the Controls Engineering team, including Controls managers, engineers, and other controls resources. * Establish the strategic direction, priorities, and ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Pontiac, MI · On-site

$96K - $127K/yr

Lead controls projects focused on continuous improvement and cost savings * Research and recommend ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related ...

Sr. Controls Engineer

Pontiac, MI

$96K - $127K/yr

Lead controls projects focused on continuous improvement and cost savings * Research and recommend ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related ...

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 ... The ideal candidate will lead the development, implementation, and optimization of automated ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Controls Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$37K

$107.9K

$157.3K

How much do lead controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead controls engineer in Michigan is $107,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,300.00 and $117,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead controls engineer?

Lead Controls Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the implementation of control systems used in manufacturing, automation, or industrial processes. They lead teams to ensure that machinery and equipment operate efficiently, safely, and in accordance with industry standards. Their work often involves programming PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), troubleshooting system issues, and collaborating with other engineering disciplines. Additionally, they play a key role in project management, technical leadership, and client communication.

What are some typical challenges a lead controls engineer faces when managing multidisciplinary project teams?

As a Lead Controls Engineer, you’ll often collaborate with professionals from mechanical, electrical, and software backgrounds. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across these disciplines to integrate control systems seamlessly with other engineering components. You’ll also need to balance project timelines while troubleshooting technical issues that may arise during commissioning and testing phases. Strong leadership and project management skills are essential for aligning team efforts, managing resources, and delivering robust, compliant solutions on schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead controls engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Controls Engineer, you need deep expertise in control systems design, automation, and electrical engineering, usually backed by a bachelor's degree in engineering and several years of relevant experience. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI interfaces, and often certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) or specific vendor certifications are typically required. Strong leadership, project management, and problem-solving abilities, along with effective communication, distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the successful delivery of complex automation projects, leading teams, and maintaining operational reliability.

What is the difference between Lead Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectLead Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; often requires experience in project managementBachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLead projects, coordinate teams, oversee control system design and implementationAssist in control system design, programming, and troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process industries, often in leadership rolesManufacturing, automation, industrial facilities, typically as technical staff

The main difference between a Lead Controls Engineer and a Controls Engineer lies in responsibility and experience. The Lead Controls Engineer oversees projects and manages teams, requiring more experience and leadership skills, while the Controls Engineer focuses on technical tasks like system design and programming. Both roles require similar technical credentials but differ in scope and seniority.

What job categories do people searching Lead Controls Engineer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Controls Engineer jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Lead Controls Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 8% Temporary, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,890 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Lincoln Electric

Shelby, MI • On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Lincoln Electric rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 494 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. Lincoln Electric's innovative solutions enable higher quality and productivity across a variety of processes including welding, cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair. The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power electronics, automation, and intelligent software to help customers build better and achieve resilience in their operations. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric is the essential 'Linc' that keeps the economy running. The Company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves customers in over 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company's website at https://www.lincolnelectric.com.
Location: Shelby
Req ID: 29636
Summary
Fori Automation, LLC, a Lincoln Electric Company, is a global supplier of welding, assembly, material handling, and testing equipment for automotive and non-automotive customers worldwide. Fori Automation focuses on delivering cost-effective, highly engineered products and systems designed and manufactured globally with localized sales, project management, and service.
We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer for our Shelby Township, MI site with a background in industrial software development. The Controls Engineer will initially support active projects and then transition to completing projects directly. They will take the lead in developing and debugging software for new projects and on new machines. This role requires travel to customer sites for equipment installation and customer interaction.
What You Will Do
  • Design PLC software and HMIs for industrial automation equipment
  • Debug and troubleshoot PLC software and HMIs
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain project timelines and critical path milestones.
  • Maintain task lists and reports of open items.
  • Maintain project design documentation and prepare customer deliverables.
  • Ensure the controls engineering process is tracked and followed.
  • Assist customers and local tradespeople in troubleshooting equipment issues.
  • Conduct end-user training on equipment operation.

Education & Experience Requirements
  • Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering degree preferred; Mechatronics degrees will also be considered.
  • Minimum of two years of experience as a Controls Engineer or Controls Software Engineer with experience in designing Rockwell Logix 5000 or Siemens S7-1500 family processors.
  • Knowledge of industrial electrical circuits, ability to read and design electrical schematics, and the ability to troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical systems.
  • Experience with electrical CAD systems, such as AutoCAD Electrical and/or ePLAN
  • Experience with PLC programming in ladder and structured text.
  • Experience programming HMIs
  • Travel required: approximately 30% domestic and international.
  • Weekend work may be required based on project schedules.

Preferred
  • Experience in computer programming languages, such as VB, C/C++, or C#.
  • Experience with Rockwell and Siemens HMI preferred.

Lincoln Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting equal employment opportunity for applicants, without regard to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

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