What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controls Engineer position at GNS North America?
Position Summary
The Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, programming, integrating, commissioning, and supporting industrial automation and machine control systems. This role provides technical leadership for PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion controls, industrial networks, and machine safety systems while driving equipment reliability, continuous improvement, and controls standardization throughout the plant.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, program, troubleshoot, and support PLC, HMI, robotics, and automation systems.
- Lead controls integration, equipment upgrades, and automation modernization projects.
- Provide technical oversight and acceptance of new equipment and equipment modifications.
- Troubleshoot complex electrical, controls, robotics, network, and equipment issues to minimize downtime.
- Develop and maintain electrical schematics, controls documentation, backups, and programming standards.
- Support and validate machine safety systems, risk assessments, and safety compliance requirements.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and IT teams to improve equipment performance and reliability.
- Lead controls standardization and lifecycle/obsolescence management initiatives.
- Train maintenance and engineering personnel on controls, robotics, and automation systems.
- Support quality improvement initiatives through automation, error-proofing, and root cause analysis.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or related field; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Strong experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and Rockwell Automation software.
- Experience troubleshooting industrial electrical, automation, and machine safety systems.
- Ability to read and develop electrical schematics.
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and technical leadership skills.
Preferred
- Automotive stamping, welding, assembly, or other high-volume manufacturing experience.
- FANUC robot programming and integration experience.
- Experience with EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, Modbus TCP, and other industrial communication networks.
- Experience with PowerFlex drives, Kinetix motion systems, and servo/VFD applications.
- Experience with Keyence PLC/HMI platforms.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD, DraftSight, or similar electrical CAD software.
- Knowledge of 8D, RCCA, and other root cause analysis methodologies.
GNS North America is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Ability to Relocate:
- Holland, MI 49424: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $85,616 - $112,194