Automation Engineer Job Kalamazoo area,Michigan USA,Engineering

Controls Engineer – Industrial Manufacturing

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to join a highly automated manufacturing operation in the Kalamazoo, MI area. This role is responsible for optimizing manufacturing equipment and processes through automation, process controls, and machine vision technologies while leading reliability and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the facility.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on controls professional who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, improving manufacturing performance, and working closely with operations and maintenance teams.

Primary Responsibilities

Design, develop, and implement automation and machine vision systems to improve quality, reduce errors, and increase manufacturing efficiency.
Provide technical support and troubleshooting for production equipment and automated systems.
Lead reliability and continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
Program, troubleshoot, and optimize Allen‑Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and motor drive systems.
Support industrial electrical systems and automation infrastructure throughout the facility.
Work independently on automation and controls projects from concept through implementation, including hands‑on field work.
Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and production teams to resolve equipment and process issues.
Analyze equipment performance and identify opportunities to improve reliability and eliminate waste.
Mentor maintenance and operations personnel on equipment functionality and best practices.
Participate in and lead Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma improvement projects.
Document engineering changes, programming updates, and technical solutions.
Support plant safety initiatives and ensure automation systems comply with applicable safety standards.

Qualifications

Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related technical field with equivalent manufacturing experience required.
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline preferred.
Five (5)+ years of controls engineering or automation experience within a manufacturing environment.
Strong hands‑on experience with:
Allen‑Bradley Control Logix/Studio 5000 PLCs
Experience supporting highly automated manufacturing equipment and industrial electrical systems.
Strong troubleshooting skills involving PLCs, drives, HMIs, sensors, and production equipment.

Preferred Skills

Machine vision/visual inspection systems
Robotics integration and troubleshooting
Industrial networking (Ether Net/IP and related industrial communication protocols)
Process improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma experience
Root cause analysis and reliability engineering
Project management experience leading automation or capital improvement projects

Desired Competencies

Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
Comfortable working around heavy industrial manufacturing equipment and furnaces.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Join a highly automated manufacturing facility investing in technology and continuous improvement.
Lead impactful automation and reliability projects with visible results.
Work alongside experienced operations, maintenance, and engineering professionals.
Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

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