Lead Controls Engineer

Opportunity Group•Kalamazoo, MI

16d

About The Position

The Lead Controls Engineer is a direct-hire leadership role with a custom machine builder in the Kalamazoo, Michigan area. The role leads and mentors a small team of Electrical / Controls Engineers while designing and programming controls for custom automated equipment. The position involves Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs, integrating robots and vision systems, troubleshooting and optimizing systems, and overseeing controls projects from concept through installation and runoff. Overnight travel is minimal, at approximately 5%.

Requirements

Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLCs, including MicroLogix, ControlLogix, RSLogix / Studio 5000, HMIs, and FactoryTalk.
At least 4 years of PLC programming experience in an industrial automation environment.
Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working hands-on with equipment.
Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop other engineers.
Strong troubleshooting, communication, and project-management skills.
Willingness to travel overnight approximately 5%.
Must be authorized to work in the United States as a citizen or permanent resident.

Nice To Haves

Experience with AutoCAD and SCADA.
Robotics experience with any brand.
A BSEE or related engineering degree; not required for candidates with strong relevant experience.
Some exposure to Siemens.

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a team of Electrical / Controls Engineers.
Design and program Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs, including ControlLogix / CompactLogix and FactoryTalk systems.
Integrate robots and vision systems into automated equipment.
Troubleshoot and optimize control systems to improve reliability and uptime.
Oversee projects from concept through installation and runoff.
Manage controls-related component selection and ordering.
Collaborate with Machine Designers and Project Managers to ensure projects are accurate, on time, and within scope.
Support customers as needed, with approximately 5% overnight travel.