Controls Engineer
Listed on 2026-09-09
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Engineering
Automation & Mechatronics Engineer
Craft Automation, a UL508A-certified industrial automation and control panel fabrication company based in Kalamazoo, MI, is hiring a Controls Engineer to join our engineering and product development team. We design and build automated processing systems for food, beverage, brewing, distilling, milling, material handling, and wastewater treatment clients — combining custom system integration with Craft’s own signature product line.
You’ll work hands-on with PLC and HMI programming (Allen-Bradley, IDEC, and Ignition SCADA), partner with our sales and production teams on new project scope, and support commissioning in the field. This is an on-site role based at our Kalamazoo headquarters, with light travel for startups, commissioning, and client visits.
What You’ll Do- Partner with management, sales, and prospective clients to scope new automation projects.
- Design and develop process automation schemas for individual clients using new and existing equipment.
- Build proposals outlining automation solutions and cost estimates to meet client needs.
- Write PLC and HMI program code for Allen-Bradley, Ignition, IDEC, and other control platforms.
- Travel to client sites to support production and installation teams during system startup.
- Provide remote debugging, troubleshooting, and help-desk support for existing customer installations.
- Lead controls strategy through innovative custom programming and efficient standard process control.
- Travel up to 25% for commissioning, conferences, and sales visits.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical blueprints and schematics.
- Experience designing and programming control schema from process flow diagrams, P&IDs, and other technical documentation.
- Ability to write PLC and HMI software from scratch or using existing Craft source code.
- Working knowledge of VFDs, sensors, and motion control components.
- Strong communication skills and a professional manner when working directly with clients.
- 5+ years of experience in process automation and controls engineering.
- Bachelor's degree in a related field is a plus.
- 5+ years programming in one or more of our core industries.
- Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to work cross-functionally without direct supervision.
- Experience with IDEC, Allen-Bradley, and/or Ignition control platforms is a plus.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD LT.
- Knowledge of processes within our core industries (food, beverage, distilling, milling, wastewater).
- Software development experience in Ignition or other programming languages.
- UL508A MTR certification and/or related experience.
- Compensation commensurate with experience: $80,000–$120,000
- 401(k) and health benefits available
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or in the future.
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