Controls Software Engineer
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Farmington Hills, Michigan, US
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Not specified
- Employment
- Contract
- Experience
- 7+ years
- Category
- Software engineering
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline; equivalent controls engineering experience will also be considere
- Minimum 7 years of relevant controls, automation, or machine software engineering experience.
- Experience programming PLCs using Ladder Logic, Function Block, or similar programming methods.
- Experience with one or more major automation platforms such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or comparable controls systems.
- Understanding of industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, CANbus, RS232, or RS485.
- Experience supporting machine startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and field service activities.
- Knowledge of motion control systems, servo drives, and automated machinery.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and customer-facing skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within cross-functional teams.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 40% as project needs require.
Full description
Job Title: Controls Software EngineerLocation: Farmington Hills, MI (Detroit Metro Area)
Pay Range: $110,000 - $120,000 annually (DOE)
Work Hours: Full-Time, Monday-Friday. Flexible start time between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Overtime as needed.
Type of Employment (Contract, Contract to Hire, Permanent Hire): Permanent Hire
Benefits: Competitive Benefits Package
The Planet Group is currently seeking a Controls Software Engineer for a growing company in the industrial automation and advanced manufacturing industry. Qualified candidates must have PLC programming experience, strong controls engineering skills, and the ability to support machine commissioning and customer-facing projects. Apply now for immediate consideration.
Job Description
Are you a hands-on Controls Software Engineer who enjoys solving complex automation challenges and seeing projects come to life on the factory floor? This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established global manufacturer with a strong reputation for innovation, advanced machining technologies, and engineering excellence.
Based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, this role offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment where engineers have direct involvement throughout the full project lifecycle. You'll partner with mechanical, electrical, and project engineering teams to develop cutting-edge automation solutions, support machine startups and commissioning efforts, and work directly with customers both domestically and internationally.
This is a growth-focused position with a stable organization that values employee contributions, professional development, open communication, and a strong team culture.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, debug, and commission controls software for automated manufacturing equipment.
- Program PLCs and machine controls using industry-standard automation platforms.
- Participate in project design reviews alongside mechanical and electrical engineering teams.
- Modify and troubleshoot electrical schematics and machine control systems.
- Configure and support HMI, motion control, and industrial networking systems.
- Coordinate with project managers to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within scope.
- Perform machine startup, testing, debugging, and factory acceptance activities.
- Interface directly with customers during project execution, installation, and final acceptance.