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, mentorship to junior engineers, and support for complex troubleshooting, commissioning, and continuous improvement across multiple projects. The engineer collaborates with project managers and mechanical and electrical teams to deliver projects on time and meet performance requirements. The position supports commissioning, startup, optimization, and field service at customer sites, and requires travel as needed. The role does not require supervision of direct or indirect reports. Performance targets include sustained excellence in project and process delivery, delivery efficiency with continuous improvement, and step-change improvements in safety, quality, and/or cost. English is the primary language used in daily operations; Spanish, French, and Dutch are also listed as primary company languages. The role involves interpreting documents and communicating effectively with customers and employees at various organizational levels. Working relationships include the Engineering, Production, and Project departments.

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.
7 years of relevant or transferable experience in controls hardware and logic programming.
GCCH and GCCL certifications.
Experience with EPLAN and AutoCAD.
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/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 to communicate effectively with customers and employees.

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 operation.
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 ensure timely project delivery and performance requirements are met.
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 field service and site work as needed.