Job Details

Controls Engineer I

Grand Rapids, MI

Contract-to-Hire

Salary: $70,000 - $95,000

Advance Your Career in Industrial Automation

We're looking for a Controls Engineer with 1–5 years of experience in controls, automation, manufacturing, or a related engineering environment. This role is ideal for an early-career engineer who already has some hands-on experience with industrial systems and is ready to take the next step in developing expertise in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, industrial networking, and manufacturing automation.

You'll work alongside experienced engineers on real-world automation projects that directly impact production, reliability, and continuous improvement initiatives across our manufacturing operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• System Support & Development: Assist senior engineers in all phases of automation projects, including the design, programming, and commissioning of control systems for new and existing manufacturing equipment.
• PLC Programming: Develop foundational skills in PLC programming, primarily utilizing ladder logic, to support, troubleshoot, and optimize existing equipment.
• HMI/SCADA Implementation: Support the development and maintenance of intuitive operator interfaces (HMI) and plant-wide SCADA systems, gaining exposure to our primary platforms: Inductive Automation Ignition and Rockwell FactoryTalk View (ME/SE).
• Troubleshooting: Participate in diagnosing and resolving electrical, software, and controls-related issues on the plant floor to help minimize equipment downtime and improve system reliability.
• Documentation & Standards: Assist in creating and maintaining essential project documentation, including electrical schematics, program backups, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring adherence to established engineering standards.
• Industrial Networking: Learn to configure and troubleshoot industrial communication networks, including EtherNet/IP, Modbus, Profinet, and other Fieldbus, ensuring seamless data flow between control devices.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to team initiatives focused on identifying opportunities for process improvement, efficiency gains, and cost reduction through automation solutions.

Qualifications & Skills Required:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related engineering or technical discipline.
• Experience: 0-2 years of relevant experience in a controls or automation-focused role. Directly applicable internships, co-op programs, or significant academic project experience will be highly valued.
• PLC Fundamentals: A solid academic understanding of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and strong foundational knowledge of ladder logic.
• Technical Aptitude: Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and a practical, hands-on approach.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment. 
• Work Ethic: Motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to take initiative and grow within the field of automation.

Preferred/Desired:

• Platform Exposure: Any classroom or internship exposure to specific PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley (Studio 5000/RSLogix 5000), Opto 22, Phoenix Contact, or Pro-face.
• Opto Flowchart Programming: Familiarity with or an interest in Opto Flowchart Programming.
• HMI/SCADA Experience: Basic familiarity with or direct exposure to Inductive Automation Ignition and Rockwell FactoryTalk View ME/SE.
• Scripting: An interest in or basic knowledge of scripting languages like Jython or Python.
• Networking: Foundational understanding of industrial networking principles (e.g., IP addressing, Ethernet standards).
• SQL Knowledge: Basic knowledge of SQL or experience with databases in an industrial context.
• Electrical Schematics: Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.

Work Environment

This role primarily operates in a professional office setting, combined with frequent time spent on the manufacturing floor. The successful candidate must be able to work safely in an industrial environment, which may involve noise exposure, moving machinery, and varying temperatures. This position requires a proactive and hands-on approach to learning and problem-solving in a dynamic production environment. This role also includes participation in an on-call rotation for after-hours support.

ABOUT EIGHT ELEVEN:

At Eight Eleven, our business is people. Relationships are at the center of what we do. A successful partnership is only as strong as the relationship built. We’re your trusted partner for IT hiring, recruiting and staffing needs.    

For over 16 years, Eight Eleven has established and maintained relationships that are designed to meet your IT staffing needs. Whether it’s contract, contract-to-hire, or permanent placement work, we customize our search based upon your company's unique initiatives, culture and technologies. With our national team of recruiters placed at 21 major hubs around the nation, Eight Eleven finds the people best-suited for your business. When you work with us, we work with you. That’s the Eight Eleven promise.

Eight Eleven Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, citizenship, disability, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.