Controls Engineer II

Frank Calandra Jennmar Services • Wyoming, MI

4d

About The Position

The Controls Engineer II is responsible for the full engineering lifecycle of custom automation and process control systems, from concept validation and electrical design through programming, system integration, debugging, and on-site commissioning. The role combines technical expertise in electrical design and software architecture with adherence to machinery safety protocols and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

The engineer develops and integrates control systems involving PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, drives, and industrial networks; produces electrical and fluid-system documentation; and supports machine build, customer-site startup, training, and handover. The role also contributes reusable engineering practices, conducts safety assessments, and mentors entry-level controls engineers. Domestic and international travel of up to 15% is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical industry experience.
• At least 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 with Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley platforms, such as Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk View.
• Competence in AutoCAD Electrical.
• Strong root-cause analysis, critical thinking, and structured troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to follow written procedures and standardized test methods accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
• Excellent observation, analytical, problem-solving, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with production teams.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Dependability, consistent attendance, and punctuality.
• Ability to work accurately in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 15% domestically and internationally to support integration at customer facilities.
• Ability to stand, bend, reach, and lift up to 50 pounds throughout the workday.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal, Omron, or Mitsubishi platforms.
• Experience with a major industrial robot brand, such as FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, or KUKA.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive machine-control software architectures using Programmable Logic Controllers and Human/Machine Interfaces.
• Integrate robotics, vision systems, Variable Frequency Drives, and servo applications into primary control logic.
• Configure, program, and troubleshoot communication interfaces using DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, and Profinet.
• Design electrical panel schematics and system layouts, and create bills of materials using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Generate pneumatic diagrams, fluid and hydraulic power schematics, and hardware input/output maps.
• Develop robot paths, tool center points, and user/tool frames during deployment and integration.
• Develop offline robot programming to streamline physical integration.
• Create reusable code libraries and design best practices to improve team efficiency.
• Review customer technical specifications and line requirements, ensuring hardware selections and programming logic meet functional expectations.
• Coordinate machine power-up, functional validation, and system debugging with build technicians and cross-functional teams.
• Provide on-site startup and commissioning support at customer manufacturing facilities.
• Deliver technical operations training and formal system handover documentation to clients.
• Conduct safety assessments and functional risk validations, ensuring safe manufacturing interfaces and compliance with corporate and standard safety protocols.
• Coach and train entry-level controls engineers on programming logic, wiring practices, and integration strategies.
• Communicate with customers in high-pressure plant situations and collaborate with Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, and Sales teams.

Benefits

• Medical coverage with a standard PPO plan, with deductibles as low as $1,500.
• Wellness credit up to $750.
• Free concierge primary care.
• Voluntary 401(k) plan with a current match of up to 12%.
• Voluntary dental and vision plans.
• Free telemedicine services.
• Basic life insurance.
• Long-term and short-term disability coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level