Sr. Controls Engineer

KION Group•Grand Rapids, MI

19h•$115,200 - $144,000•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to join our Solutions & Delivery Optimization team, playing a key role in shaping how current and next-generation automation solutions are designed, standardized, and delivered globally. This strategic role is responsible for reviewing and influencing new equipment and system concepts while driving the development of standardized, reusable controls building blocks used across global logistics solutions. Serving as the technical bridge between Product Development and Project Execution, this role ensures that new technologies are evaluated, standardized, and successfully integrated into scalable solutions that can be deployed consistently across global customer projects. Beyond individual machine performance, this role focuses on system-level behavior—how equipment, controls, software, and human interaction work together to deliver fully integrated, high-performance automation solutions. The objective is to enable scalable, modular system design that improves consistency, deployment speed, and operational performance. As a technical authority, you will influence controls architecture, system standards, and solution implementation strategies to ensure scalable, reliable, and efficient automation systems.

Requirements

Senior-level experience in industrial automation and controls system design.
Strong systems thinking across mechanical, controls, software, and complete solution behavior.
Experience engineering modular, scalable, and reusable automation solutions.
Deep experience developing PLC, HMI, and SCADA applications using Siemens S7 / TIA Portal, including Siemens Technology Objects, SINAMICS S120 motion control systems, and industrial communication networks such as Profinet and EtherNet/IP.
Strong understanding of machine-to-human interaction, HMI design, and exception handling in industrial automation systems.
Experience with logistics automation technologies such as conveyors, sortation systems, AS/RS, shuttle systems, pallet handling, or similar material handling equipment.
Strong technical leadership with the ability to collaborate across global, multi-functional engineering organizations.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and customer management skills.
Experience supporting field deployment and customer implementation activities.
5+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, mechatronics, or related industrial engineering fields.
Proven experience in system-level or modular automation design, beyond individual machine controls.
Experience developing and maintaining standardized PLC software platforms, reusable controls code, or productized automation solutions.
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Science, or a related engineering field (or equivalent experience).

Nice To Haves

Experience in logistics, material handling, or large-scale automation systems strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and commercialize standardized controls building blocks for reusable deployment across global logistics solutions.
Engineer PLC/HMI-based controls content for modular and end-to-end automation solutions.
Evaluate emerging automation technologies and equipment to determine their applicability, integration strategy, and value within standardized solution architectures.
Generate controls layouts, electrical documentation, and software required for system deployment.
Collaborate with global engineering organizations to define requirements, drive controls standardization and productization, and ensure alignment across solution development and delivery.
Support pilot implementations through technical mentorship, solution validation, and site execution support to ensure successful customer delivery and commercialization.
Ensure compliance with international and regional standards and applicable codes.
Contribute to system validation, testing, and continuous performance optimization.