What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer position at Gabletek Robotics and Controls Solutions?
Location: Holland, MI (Onsite)
Company: GableTek
Job Type: Contract
Duration: July 2026 – End of October 2026 (Potential Extension)
Hours: 48 hours/week with overtime available
Travel: Required for customer installation in Ohio
GableTek is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, commissioning, and startup of cutting-edge automated manufacturing systems. This is an excellent opportunity for a controls professional who enjoys building new automation equipment from the ground up in a fast-paced systems integration environment.
You'll play a key role throughout the entire project lifecycle—from machine development and debugging in Holland, MI through final installation and commissioning at the customer's facility in Ohio.
Project Details- Start Date: Late July 2026
- Primary Location: Holland, MI (100% onsite through September)
- Customer Installation: Approximately 2.5 weeks in Ohio during October
- Project Duration: Through the end of October (with potential for extension)
- Interview Process: One 30-minute interview with the hiring manager and project engineer
- ITAR: Not ITAR restricted
- Design, develop, program, and commission industrial automation systems
- Program and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, motion control, industrial networks, and distributed I/O
- Program, integrate, and troubleshoot FANUC robots
- Develop and validate machine safety systems, including Safety PLCs and safety devices
- Perform machine startup, debugging, commissioning, FAT, SAT, and production support
- Troubleshoot electrical controls, robotics, servo systems, drives, vision systems, and automation equipment
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, robotics, manufacturing, and project teams
- Lead technical execution while maintaining project schedules, quality, and customer expectations
- Support project planning, estimating, and continuous process improvements
- Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership
- Interface directly with customers during startup and installation
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related field preferred
- Equivalent hands-on industry experience will be considered in place of a degree
- 3 years of Controls Engineering experience in industrial automation or machine building (5–10 years preferred)
- Strong experience with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLC programming
- Hands-on FANUC robot programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting
- Experience commissioning new automation equipment in an integrator environment
- Knowledge of industrial networking, servo motion control, safety PLCs, HMIs, and machine safety
- Ability to manage multiple projects while working independently
- Excellent troubleshooting, communication, and customer-facing skills
- Laser welding automation
- Induction heating systems
- Vision systems
- SCADA applications
- Motion control programming
- Standard schedule of 48 hours per week
- Hours may increase to 50–55 hours leading up to Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
- During installation, candidates should expect 60–80 hours per week, including weekends, to support project completion