Control Engineer

Position: Controls Engineer – 2nd Shift

Position Type: Direct Hire

Location: Lansing, MI

Industry: Manufacturing | Automotive

Environment: Startup JIT assembly, high-mix/low-inventory production, logistics-driven, mechanically focused

Pay: $85,000 – $100,000 base (salaried non-exempt; eligible for overtime, straight time over 40 hours)

Shift: 2nd shift (2:30 PM – 11:00 PM, Monday–Friday; Saturday work required when production is running)

Position Summary:

Seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer to support, maintain, and improve manufacturing operations through advanced process controls, automation, and system reliability. The role is responsible for controls system design, programming, troubleshooting, testing, commissioning, and supporting production through data‑driven problem solving. This is an on-site role reporting to the IT Controls Lead as part of the Plant Engineering team.

Position Responsibilities:

• Design, program, simulate, test, and commission controls systems for automated equipment.
• Develop and implement process improvements related to automation, efficiency, layout, ergonomics, and equipment performance.
• Program PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems to meet production and safety requirements.
• Facilitate and maintain process controls equipment, including sensor systems, drives, networks, and panel components.
• Provide technical guidance to Maintenance Technicians and collaborate with cross‑functional engineering teams.
• Identify and address controls‑related issues, documenting findings and corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable government safety and environmental standards.
• Recommend and source controls components, evaluate vendor quotes, and support project RFQs.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including schematics, logic programs, and change records.

Position Requirements:

• Minimum 2–3 years of plant experience in controls engineering or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven PLC logic and programming experience (Allen Bradley, Modicon, Siemens, GE Fanuc, Mitsubishi, Omron).
• Experience working in environments where production uptime and rapid response to downtime are critical is required.
• Experience in fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environments with frequent changeovers is required.
• Experience in Just-In-Time (JIT) manufacturing environments is preferred.
• Automotive manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.
• Proven experience with Rockwell (Allen-Bradley) PLCs is required.
• Cognex vision systems experience is preferred.
• Exposure to plant environments focused on continuous production support and minimizing downtime is strongly preferred.
• HMI/SCADA programming experience (Wonderware, Rockwell, Cimplicity, Iconics).
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills with blueprint reading capability.
• Experience with panel design, wiring schematics, and industrial controls.
• Experience with conveyor systems, bar code readers, DeviceNet, ControlNet, RSView.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office tools.
• Ability to perform field commissioning and maintain confidential information.

About Spark Talent Acquisition:

Spark Talent Acquisition is a Michigan-headquartered recruiting and staffing company that connects great talent with great employers. We understand that building the right team is vital to success. Listening to our clients and creating customized workforce strategies is at the core of what we do. We pride ourselves in team development as it matches our purpose as an organization to help people grow.