CONTROLS ENGINEER
Custom Automation | Grand Rapids, Michigan
Position Summary
At Industrial Resources, you will design, program, and commission the control systems that bring custom industrial machinery to life. The Controls Engineer owns electrical hardware design, PLC and HMI development, system integration, startup, and troubleshooting for one-of-a-kind automation projects. You will work directly with mechanical designers, machine builders, electricians, project managers, suppliers, and customers from concept through installation and long-term support.
What You'll Do
· Lead controls-system design for custom automated machinery, including electrical schematics, control-panel layouts, system wiring, pneumatics, and hydraulics.
· Create and maintain electrical drawings in AutoCAD Electrical; support the continued development of company design standards and templates.
· Program and test PLCs and HMIs to customer specifications, integrating sensors, safety devices, industrial networks, vision systems, robots, drives, and motion-control equipment.
· Define controls architecture, I/O, device communication, and interfaces between PLCs, robots, HMIs, and peripheral equipment.
· Perform system testing, startup, debug, commissioning, and customer training at Industrial Resources and customer locations.
· Provide remote support, software updates, and structured troubleshooting for equipment operating in the field.
· Support project planning, estimates, schedules, budgets, technical documentation, and controls-related procurement.
· Coordinate outsourced panel builders, controls engineers, and robot programmers when needed, and provide technical guidance to junior staff.
Required Competencies
· 3+ years of experience designing and programming industrial automation or machine-control systems.
· Proficiency with Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation Studio 5000 and/or Siemens TIA Portal.
· Experience creating electrical schematics and control-panel designs in AutoCAD Electrical.
· Hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, digital and analog I/O, sensors, motor controls, industrial networks, and machine startup.
· Ability to troubleshoot electrical, software, communication, and system-integration issues in a structured manner.
· Experience with remote connection to machines using eWon or similar devices.
· Strong project ownership, communication, documentation, and customer-service skills.
· Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, mechatronics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Preferred Competencies
· Experience with both Allen-Bradley and Siemens controls platforms.
· Experience with EtherNet/IP, AS-Interface (AS-i), PROFINET, and other industrial communication protocols.
· Experience integrating industrial robots, machine vision, variable-frequency drives, servo motion, and safety PLCs or safety circuits.
· Experience with EPLAN, Autodesk Inventor, or other electrical and 3D design tools.
· Experience in a custom machine-building, systems-integration, or OEM environment.
· Experience mentoring technical staff and developing reusable software, documentation, and engineering standards.
Success in This Role
· Take ownership of controls projects from initial concept through successful customer acceptance.
· Develop reliable, understandable, and supportable control systems rather than one-off solutions that are difficult to maintain.
· Communicate early when scope, timing, cost, or technical risks may affect the project.
· Balance detailed engineering work with hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and customer interaction.
· Continuously improve programming practices, drawings, templates, documentation, and commissioning methods.
Why Industrial Resources
Industrial Resources designs and builds custom industrial automation equipment for customers throughout North America. Our engineers work close to the machine-build floor and see their designs become working equipment. Because each project is different, this role offers broad technical exposure, meaningful ownership, direct customer interaction, and the opportunity to influence how the company approaches controls engineering and innovation.
Who You'll Work With
· Business Development, providing technical input for concepts, quotes, and estimates
· Mechanical Engineering and Machine Design
· Project Management
· Machine Build, Fabrication, and Electrical Teams
· Customers, suppliers, panel builders, and specialized integration partners
Work Environment
· Collaborative, creative, and fast-paced engineering and manufacturing environment.
· Office workspace located close to the fabrication and machine-build floor.
· Combination of computer-based design and programming, hands-on equipment testing, and work at customer sites.
· Culture focused on teamwork, practical problem-solving, craftsmanship, safety, and continuous improvement.
Position Details
Schedule
First shift, Monday-Friday, averaging 40-45 hours per week, with occasional overtime as required.
Travel
Approximately 10%, typically in one-week increments for equipment installation, startup, and customer support. Travel is primarily within the continental United States, with possible trips to Canada and Mexico. Must be willing to fly and obtain or maintain a valid U.S. Passport.
Office Location
2710 Northridge Drive NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49544
Customer Locations
Major metropolitan areas throughout the United States, with occasional customers in Canada and Mexico.
Reports To
President
FLSA Status
Salaried, Exempt
Physical Demands
Ability to work safely around operating machinery and electrical equipment; stand, walk, bend, reach, and work in a variety of positions during equipment testing and commissioning; and lift up to 30 pounds as needed. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others.
Benefits
Full-time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401(k) with company match, Annual Bonus opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement, Career Development, and more.
Equal Opportunity and Job Description Notice
This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be assigned other job-related duties consistent with applicable state and federal law. Job requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment with Industrial Resources remains at will.
Pay: $80,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
