Senior Controls Engineer

Grand Rapids, United States | Posted on 03/03/2026

YETiSEARCH is a boutique recruiting firm specializing in engineering and technical talent. Our niche is controls and automation and where we connect top engineers, technicians, and specialists with innovative companies across multiple industries. Our mission: to uncover great talent and help it thrive.

Our client, an innovation-driven manufacturing company, committed to quality, continuous improvement, and employee development, is seeking a talented Controls Engineer to join their team and drive the development and optimization of advanced industrial automation systems. In this role, you will design, implement, and enhance control solutions that keep operations running efficiently and safely. You’ll be a key player in projects that improve system performance, reliability, and overall production outcomes.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of challenging automation projects, troubleshoot complex systems, and work alongside cross-functional teams in a collaborative, innovation-focused environment.

• Develop, modify, and maintain control system schematics, technical diagrams, and automation logic
• Lead projects involving the deployment and upgrade of control systems from planning through execution
• Program and configure PLCs, HMI interfaces, SCADA systems, and other automation technologies
• Enhance system performance and operational efficiency through algorithm optimization and fine-tuning
• Upgrade existing systems to meet changing production needs and business requirements
• Troubleshoot complex automation and instrumentation issues and implement solutions
• Conduct system testing, validation, and preventative maintenance routines
• Review and analyze operational data to pinpoint performance gaps and propose improvements
• Keep accurate and organized records of system configurations, documentation, and changes
• Provide guidance, training, and technical support to team members to ensure knowledge transfer

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 4+ years of experience in industrial control system design, installation, and maintenance.
• Proficiency in PLC, HMI, and SCADA programming and configuration.
• Experience with AutoCAD Electrical or similar design tools.
• Experience with industrial networking protocols.
• Solid understanding of control theory, electrical systems, and automation technologies.
• Skilled in ladder logic, structured text, and HMI development.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage projects independently and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field is preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CAP, ISA, or PMP are a plus.
• Proven ability to lead projects from concept through completion.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with experience mentoring and coordinating cross-functional teams.
• High attention to detail with a strong commitment to safety, accuracy, and quality.

This is a direct hire role with our client, a very competitive benefits package is offered. A complete overview of the benefits will be provided directly by them.

YETiSEARCH is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran disability or genetic information or any other reason prohibited by law in employment.