Demo

Controls Engineer

Specialty Tooling Systems
Grand Rapids, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 9/26/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/25/2026

Job title: Controls Engineer

Reports to: Controls Engineering Manager

Supervisory responsibilities: No

Summary/objective: Specialty Tooling Systems is seeking a Controls Engineer to help with the design, development, and implementation of automation systems and custom machinery.

Essential functions:

  • Design and develop control systems including PLCs, motion control, robotics, vision systems, and HMI/SCADA platforms
  • Program, integrate, and troubleshoot systems involving Rockwell Automation platforms, robotics, and advanced automation technologies
  • Support machine build, debug, and commissioning activities both onsite and at customer facilities
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with mechanical engineering, project management, and manufacturing teams to deliver integrated solutions
  • Own and deliver assigned controls modules or subsystems within larger projects
  • Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices; apply knowledge to improve solutions and processes

Required competency, education, and experience:
  • 2 years of controls engineering experience in automation or custom machinery
  • Experience with:
    • Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000 & FactoryTalk View)
    • Industrial robotics (FANUC preferred)
    • Automated assembly systems and machine integration
  • Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in automated systems
  • Communication and interpersonal skills, including customer-facing experience
  • High attention to detail and commitment to quality
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive projects
  • 2D electrical CAD (AutoCAD Electrical preferred)
  • Valid driver’s license; ability to travel as required
  • Legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship

Work environment: Office setting within a manufacturing environment, with regular interaction on the production floor.
Physical demands:
  • Ability to sit for extended periods
  • Ability to view detailed work at close range
  • Manual dexterity to work with small components
  • Ability to lift 20 pounds

Position type and expected hours of work: Full time
Travel: 0-30% potential travel associated with role as needed.
  • Travel may require:
    • Domestic and international travel
    • Air travel
    • Overnight stays (typically up to 2-week intervals for large projects)

Compensation/Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Company-paid and voluntary life insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Education reimbursement
  • Paid vacation and holidays
  • Flexible spending accounts


Other duties: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.

STS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. STS does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need

Salary.com Estimation for Controls Engineer in Grand Rapids, MI
$113,007 to $136,598
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Controls Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Controls Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$96,240 - $123,168
Income Estimation: 
$120,579 - $154,482
Income Estimation: 
$115,522 - $153,258
Income Estimation: 
$143,102 - $186,922
Income Estimation: 
$177,126 - $242,319

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs with skills like those required for the Controls Engineer.

Click the checkbox next to the jobs that you are interested in.

  • Assembly Skill

    • Income Estimation: $34,169 - $44,792
    • Income Estimation: $34,911 - $43,490
  • Automation Skill

    • Income Estimation: $36,534 - $47,241
    • Income Estimation: $40,010 - $52,580
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Specialty Tooling Systems

  • Specialty Tooling Systems Grand Rapids, MI
  • Job title: Industrial Electrician Reports to: Plant Manager Supervisory responsibilities: None. Summary/objective: Specialty Tooling Systems (STS) currentl... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • Specialty Tooling Systems Grand Rapids, MI
  • Job title: CNC Machinist Reports to: CNC Foreman/Shop Foreman Supervisory responsibilities: None. Summary/objective: Specialty Tooling Systems (STS) is loo... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • Specialty Tooling Systems Grand Rapids, MI
  • Job title : Accounts Payable Clerk Reports to : Accounting Manager Supervisory responsibilities : None Summary/objective : The Accounts Payable Clerk will ... more
  • 11 Days Ago

  • Specialty Tooling Systems Grand Rapids, MI
  • Job title: CNC Setup & Shop Assistant Reports to: CNC Manager Supervisory responsibilities: None. Summary/objective: Specialty Tooling Systems (STS) is see... more
  • 11 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Controls Engineer jobs in the Grand Rapids, MI area that may be a better fit.

  • Controls Engineer THE COMPANY Invio Automation Grand Rapids, MI
  • Senior Controls Engineer THE COMPANY Invio Automation is an Industry 4.0 automation leader that serves a variety of high-growth end-markets including medic... more
  • 1 Month Ago

  • Gabletek Robotics and Controls Solutions Holland, MI
  • Controls Engineer – Allen-Bradley PLC & FANUC Robotics Location: Holland, MI (Onsite) Company: GableTek Job Type: Contract Duration: July 2026 – End of Oct... more
  • 7 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!