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Manufacturing Controls Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

General Motors

Manufacturing Controls Engineer

Lake Orion, MI · On-site

$77K - $91K/yr

Responsible for the execution/develop of manufacturing controls. Work will be performed in a centralized manufacturing engineering activity or assembly/plant activity where a considerable amount of ...

Our Next Energy

Manufacturing Controls Engineer

Novi, MI · On-site

$79K - $93K/yr

... of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment * Experience supporting automated production lines or industrial equipment * Experience with PLC programming, Robotics, and ...

Aampower

Controls Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

The Controls Engineer focuses on leading the research, development, design, testing, and deployment of cutting-edge manufacturing controls technologies. The position supports a wide range of ...

Aampower

Electrical Controls Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$79K - $105K/yr

Job Posting Title Electrical Controls Engineer Summary Dauch is seeking a Controls Engineer to join ... The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing ...

General Motors

Process Controls Engineer

Warren, MI

$78K - $101K/yr

This role serves both centralized manufacturing engineering and plant operations and requires strong technical skills, creative problem-solving, and sound judgment. You will contribute to controls ...

General Motors

Process Controls Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

This role serves both centralized manufacturing engineering and plant operations and requires strong technical skills, creative problem-solving, and sound judgment. You will contribute to controls ...

General Motors

Senior Process Controls Engineer

Warren, MI · On-site

$91K - $120K/yr

Develop strategic suppliers in GM vehicle system controls standards for automation systems for GM ... Implement innovative manufacturing engineering concepts involving machine designs and process ...

MSR Technology Group LLC

Controls Engineer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

The controls engineer is a support function that addresses open issues on new and existing ... manufacturing - Interaction and support with original equipment manufacturers and material ...

General Motors

Senior Process Controls Engineer

Warren, MI

$91K - $120K/yr

Develop strategic suppliers in GM vehicle system controls standards for automation systems for GM ... Implement innovative manufacturing engineering concepts involving machine designs and process ...

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All JobsManufacturing Controls Engineer JobsManufacturing Controls Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

Manufacturing Controls Engineer information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$64.3K

$90.9K

$114.3K

How much do manufacturing controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing controls engineer in Detroit, MI is $90,865.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,200.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Manufacturing Controls Engineers in coordinating with production teams?

Manufacturing Controls Engineers often face challenges in aligning automation solutions with the dynamic needs of production teams. Effective communication is essential to ensure that control systems meet both operational efficiency and safety requirements. Additionally, adapting to changes in production schedules or troubleshooting unexpected equipment issues can require quick thinking and collaboration. Engineers must balance technical demands with the practical insights of operators and maintenance staff to ensure seamless integration and minimal downtime.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Controls Engineer vs Manufacturing Process Engineer?

AspectManufacturing Controls EngineerManufacturing Process Engineer
Primary FocusDesign and implement control systems and automation for manufacturing processesOptimize manufacturing processes for efficiency, quality, and cost
Required SkillsPLC programming, control systems, automation, troubleshootingProcess analysis, Lean manufacturing, process improvement techniques
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, automation labsProduction floors, engineering offices
Common CertificationsControl system certifications, PLC programming certificationsSix Sigma, Lean certifications

While both roles support manufacturing operations, Manufacturing Controls Engineers focus on automation and control systems to improve production reliability, whereas Manufacturing Process Engineers work on optimizing overall manufacturing processes for efficiency and quality.

What is a Manufacturing Controls Engineer?

A Manufacturing Controls Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining control systems that automate and optimize manufacturing processes. They work with hardware and software to ensure machinery operates efficiently, safely, and reliably. Their duties often include programming programmable logic controllers (PLCs), troubleshooting automation issues, and collaborating with other engineers to improve production workflows. Manufacturing Controls Engineers play a key role in increasing productivity, reducing costs, and maintaining product quality in industrial settings.

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

To thrive as a Manufacturing Controls Engineer, you need strong knowledge of automation systems, electrical engineering principles, and a degree in engineering or a related field. Proficiency with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and industry-standard certifications like ISA or Siemens are typically required. Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and optimized manufacturing processes.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering professionals such as senior manufacturing controls engineers, aerospace engineers, or petroleum engineers can reach annual salaries of $500,000 or more, especially with advanced skills, certifications, and leadership roles. These roles often require extensive expertise, specialized knowledge, and sometimes work in high-demand or high-risk industries.

What does a manufacturing controls engineer do?

A manufacturing controls engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that automate manufacturing processes. They work with PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial equipment to improve efficiency, safety, and quality in production environments. Strong knowledge of automation, programming, and process optimization is essential for this role.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Manufacturing Controls Engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand industries or senior roles. Salaries vary based on location, company size, and expertise in automation, PLC programming, and control systems design.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Manufacturing Controls Engineers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles. High salaries are often associated with senior positions, specialized skills in automation and control systems, and working in industries with high-value manufacturing processes.
What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Controls Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI? For Manufacturing Controls Engineer jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Manufacturing Controls Engineer jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Manufacturing Controls Engineer job openings:
Manufacturing Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Controls Engineer job openings in Detroit, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,865 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Manufacturing Controls Engineer

Manufacturing Controls Engineer

Our Next Energy Inc

Novi, MI

$79K - $93K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Automation & Controls Development

  • Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems for automated manufacturing equipment.
  • Develop and maintain control logic using platforms such as Rockwell (Allen Bradley), Siemens, or similar PLC systems.
  • Configure HMI / SCADA systems for machine monitoring, diagnostics, and operator interface.
  • Develop and maintain automated production data collection, reporting, and diagnostic tools to support manufacturing performance.
  • Support manufacturing execution systems (MES), production traceability, and automation interfaces between PLCs and enterprise systems.
  • Integrate, troubleshoot, and optimize robotics, vision systems, and automated material handling equipment for high-volume production environments.

Equipment Integration & Commissioning

  • Lead controls design, installation, and commissioning of new manufacturing equipment.
  • Collaborate with equipment vendors and integrators during factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
  • Develop controls standards and documentation for plant automation systems.

Manufacturing Support

  • Provide technical troubleshooting support for production equipment downtime related to controls, sensors, drives, vision, PLC, robotics, and automation.
  • Work closely with maintenance and production teams to diagnose, resolve, and improve automation system performance.
  • Optimize control strategies to improve cycle time, reliability, and equipment uptime.

Safety & Compliance

  • Design and validate machine safety systems including safety PLCs, interlocks, emergency stops, and safeguarding systems.
  • Ensure equipment complies with OSHA, NFPA, and relevant machine safety standards.
  • Support high-voltage and lithium-ion manufacturing safety requirements.

Process Optimization

  • Analyze equipment performance data to identify automation improvements and efficiency gains.
  • Implement process automation improvements to increase throughput and reduce scrap.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives and plant automation roadmaps.
  • Lead root cause investigations for automation-related production issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.

Documentation & Standards

  • Support, maintain, and enforce plant automation standards including programming architecture, documentation, naming conventions, and commissioning procedures
  • Maintain detailed documentation including:
  • PLC/HMI code change management revisions
  • Open issues management
  • Automation standardization
  • Electrical schematics redlines

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering

Experience

  • 5+ years of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Experience supporting automated production lines or industrial equipment
  • Experience with PLC programming, Robotics, and industrial automation systems

    Technical Skills:

    • PLC programming
    • Allen Bradley (Studio 5000 / RSLogix)
    • Siemens (TIA Portal)
    • HMI/SCADA systems
    • Industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, IO-link, Modbus, OPC)
    • Servo systems and VFD drives
    • Robotics integration (Fanuc, ABB, Kuka, or similar)
    • Machine vision systems (Keyence, Cognex)
    • Electrical schematics and panel design
    • Industrial sensors and instrumentation

    Preferred Experience

    • EV battery, Automotive, Lithium-ion, Semiconductor, or High-tech manufacturing
    • Dry-room or clean-room manufacturing environments
    • High-speed automated production lines
    • Safety PLCs and machine safety standards (ISO 13849 / NFPA)
    • Automation troubleshooting and problem solving
    • Systems integration and commissioning
    • Cross-functional collaboration
    • Continuous improvement mindset
    • Strong technical documentation skills
    • Ability to support a fast-paced manufacturing environment