Controls Engineer

Talos Automation, a global leader in industrial and automation recruitment, is hiring a Controls Engineer for a permanent position in Michigan, USA. The role involves PLC/HMI programming, control system design, and industrial automation across manufacturing sectors like automotive, food, and utilities. Candidates with 1–3 years of experience in Rockwell or Siemens platforms, AutoCAD/EPLAN, and process control are encouraged to apply. The company offers competitive pay ($40–$55/hr), hybrid work options, bonuses, insurance, and relocation benefits, providing an excellent opportunity to grow in the field of automation engineering.

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Job Opportunity – Controls Engineer (Permanent Position, Michigan)

Company Name: Talos Automation (Recruiting on behalf of client)
Position Title: Controls Engineer
Location: Michigan, USA
Job Type: Permanent / Full-Time
Apply via: pallen@talosautomation.com
Company Website: https://www.talosautomation.com/

Company Introduction

Talos Automation is an industry leader in automation and industrial recruitment, connecting highly skilled engineers with world-class manufacturing and process companies. With decades of combined experience, Talos Automation has developed strong partnerships with organizations across North America, providing specialized talent for automation, robotics, and control engineering positions.

The company takes pride in supporting engineering professionals at every stage of their career—whether they are entry-level developers or senior engineers managing large-scale industrial projects. Talos Automation’s client in Michigan represents a major player in the industrial manufacturing and process automation sector, offering innovative engineering solutions to complex production challenges.

This employer focuses on automation systems for continuous manufacturing environments such as automotive, food and beverage, power, wastewater, and utilities. Their technology-driven culture emphasizes teamwork, technical excellence, and career growth. With an emphasis on modern tools like Rockwell Automation, Siemens, and EPLAN, the company provides a platform for engineers to grow technically and professionally while contributing to projects that shape the future of industrial manufacturing.

If you’re looking for a challenging engineering opportunity in an environment that values expertise, innovation, and continuous improvement, this Controls Engineer position offers an ideal platform to develop your career in automation.

Job Description

The Controls Engineer will play a central role in designing, developing, and implementing electrical control systems for complex manufacturing processes. Working under administrative review, the engineer will ensure efficient system design, installation, and support for PLC-based hardware and software.

The position demands a deep understanding of control theory, industrial automation, and the ability to troubleshoot and optimize existing systems. The successful candidate will actively collaborate with project managers, clients, and technical teams to deliver solutions that meet or exceed project requirements.

Key aspects of this role include hands-on programming, electrical design, system integration, and field support. Candidates must be comfortable traveling for on-site work—approximately 40% travel per year may be required for installations, commissioning, and troubleshooting.

Primary Responsibilities:

Design and develop all aspects of electrical control systems, machinery, and automated equipment.
Provide installation, configuration, and technical support for PLC and HMI-based systems.
Work with control platforms such as Rockwell (Allen-Bradley) and Siemens; experience in alternative systems is an asset.
Participate in industrial process automation projects involving parameters like temperature, pressure, speed, and flow control.
Collaborate with project managers weekly to review tasks, schedules, and adherence to engineering standards.
Contribute to electrical design documentation, including schematics, cut sheets, and bill of materials.
Develop and implement PLC software, HMI interfaces, and integration logic for process control.
Perform AutoCAD or EPLAN design work and prepare control drawings.
Support commissioning, testing, and debugging of control systems.
Maintain organized project records, engineering journals, and task lists.
Ensure all engineering documentation is stored accurately in designated project databases.

Focus Areas:

Client and People Management: 10%
Solutions Architecture (System Design): 20%
Development (Programming & Testing): 50–80%

The role also requires a proactive approach toward self-development—engineers are encouraged to continuously train, learn new technologies, and contribute to process improvements across teams.

Eligibility Criteria

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
Alternatively, a Technology Diploma with equivalent hands-on experience.
1–3 years of relevant experience in control system design, PLC programming, or industrial automation preferred.
Strong background in troubleshooting and optimizing control systems.

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in PLC and HMI platforms, particularly Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) and Siemens.
Familiarity with continuous process control involving temperature, pressure, speed, and chemical mixing.
Experience in AutoCAD or EPLAN for control panel and electrical layout design.
Understanding of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, Profibus, and Ethernet/IP.
Ability to manage multiple automation projects and deliver results on time.
Knowledge of automation systems used in automotive, food & beverage, wastewater, or utilities industries is highly desirable.
Experience in paint finishing or process automation is a plus.

Soft Skills:

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
Comfortable working in collaborative team environments.
Flexibility to travel up to 40% for on-site work and commissioning activities.
Must be detail-oriented, organized, and self-motivated to meet project goals.

Compensation and Benefits

Hourly Rate: $40–$55 (based on experience)
Overtime: Available after 40 hours per week
Bonus: Annual bonus equivalent to one month’s salary
Insurance: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Retirement Plan: 401(k) with company contribution
Hybrid Work: Flexible work-from-home options available
Relocation Package: Provided for out-of-state candidates
Paid Expenses: All travel and project-related expenses covered
Additional Perks:
- Gym membership reimbursement
- Pet insurance
- Negotiable vacation time
- Career development and continuous learning opportunities