Controls - Senior Controls Engineer

Peak Technologies•Flint, MI

About The Position

Automation Intelligence, a Peak Technologies company, is seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to design, develop, and implement advanced control systems for automated equipment and processes. The role leads control system architecture, PLC and HMI programming, and integration of industrial automation components. It also provides technical leadership, mentors junior engineers, and supports complex troubleshooting, commissioning, and continuous improvement across multiple projects. The Senior Controls Engineer collaborates with project managers and mechanical and electrical teams to deliver projects on time and meet performance requirements. The role supports commissioning, startup, and optimization both on-site and at customer locations, and requires travel as needed for project support and site work. The primary language used in daily operations is English; additional primary company languages include Spanish, French, and Dutch. The role requires reading and interpreting documents, procedure manuals, and correspondence, and communicating effectively with customers and employees at various organizational levels. The role does not require supervision of direct or indirect reports. Working relationships include the Engineering, Production, and Project departments. Physical activities include standing, walking, sitting, handling objects, reaching, climbing or balancing, stooping or kneeling, and talking or hearing. Lifting requirements are up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Automation Engineering, or a related field; equivalent technical experience may be considered in place of a formal degree.
Extensive experience designing, programming, and troubleshooting industrial control systems.
Proficiency in PLC and HMI programming, such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable systems.
Strong understanding of control panel design, electrical schematics, and industrial networking protocols.
Experience with servo and motion systems, safety controllers, and field instrumentation.
Ability to lead technical discussions and manage system-level integration tasks.
Effective communication and leadership skills to guide teams and interface with clients and stakeholders.
Experience supporting system commissioning and field service at customer sites.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
Willingness to travel as needed for project support and site work.
Ability to read and interpret documents, procedure manuals, and correspondence and communicate effectively with customers and employees.
Ability to take accountability for business target delivery and decision-making.

Responsibilities

Design and implement complex control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, and safety systems.
Lead development of control architecture, functional specifications, and control panel layouts.
Program and debug PLCs and HMIs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent.
Oversee system integration and ensure compatibility across electrical, mechanical, and software interfaces.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to system logic, hardware, and communications.
Support commissioning, startup, and optimization of automation systems on-site and at customer locations.
Review and approve technical documentation, including schematics, IO lists, and sequences of operations.
Mentor and support junior controls engineers and technicians, providing guidance on best practices and standards.
Collaborate with project managers and mechanical and electrical teams to deliver projects on time and meet performance requirements.
Stay informed about industry developments, emerging technologies, and applicable standards.
Ensure systems meet applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Contribute to standardization and continuous improvement of control system design and processes.
Support project work and site activities through travel as needed.