Controls Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Controls Engineer jobs in Michigan are in strong demand, concentrated in automotive manufacturing, industrial automation, and advanced systems integration, with openings at every level from entry-level PLC technicians through senior controls architects. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Auburn Hills anchor the largest share of hiring, where established employers like General Motors, Stellantis, and Rockwell Automation maintain significant engineering operations. The most in-demand specialties are PLC programming, HMI development, and motion control systems. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
GLOBAL Automation Technologies is a U.S.-based industrial company founded in 2009 with a global presence across North America, South Africa, and the UAE. GLOBAL specializes in delivering comprehensive automation solutions, including robotic integration, project management, mechanical design, and maintenance, catering to industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Position Summary
Our Controls Engineering team is dedicated to keeping our customers out in front of the rapid and unpredictable updates in technology. As a Software Controls Engineer, you'll work alongside our Applications, Mechanical, and Build teams to design, build, program, and deploy custom automated equipment and solutions for every application, process, and industry you never thought possible.
Responsibilities
- Oversee all aspects of the software controls project from early execution through completion and handover to the customer.
- Design or use code from a library, using Rockwell Guard Logix, HMIs as primary solutions, while also offering Mitsubishi and Siemens solutions when required.
- Interface with customers, suppliers, and FANUC America personnel to design and execute the controls solution, collaborating with Mechanical and Electrical engineers, Robot Path Programmers, and installation engineers.
- Ensure safety practices are adhered to for all onsite personnel while working with robotic systems.
- Help the project manager to maintain and update the project schedule.
- Maintain high standards of quality that adhere to industry requirements, delivering on commitments with ethics and dignity.
- Work within a team dynamic and demonstrate understanding of mechanical and electrical concepts as they pertain to robotic systems.
- Willing to work overtime when required to meet deadlines and customer requirements.
- Passport required for international projects; domestic and international travel required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Robotics, or Automation preferred.
- Experience: 2+ years of experience required; previous experience working for system integrators preferred but not required.
- Technical Skills: Demonstrable knowledge of VisualBasic.Net. Competency with Rockwell, Siemens, and Mitsubishi systems (or any combination of the three).
- Communication: Clear and concise communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with customers and maintain positive working relationships under difficult circumstances and/or high-pressure situations.
- Critical Thinking: Ability to demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills with deadline and detail-oriented approach.
- Flexibility: Ability to work onsite at company offices or customer locations as required.
Unless expressly authorized in the interview/skill set validation instructions, candidates may not use AI tools or other third-party assistance during an interview or assessment to generate or provide substantive answers to interview questions. Candidates should answer organically in their own words, drawing on their own knowledge, skills, and experience. Failure to adhere to these expectations may result in the candidate being removed from consideration.
Note: This is not meant to address use of assistive technologies (e.g., captioning, screen readers, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, etc.) where approved as reasonable accommodations.
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Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Controls Engineer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Electronics & Hardware
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Technology & Software
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a closely related technical discipline
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi
- Proficiency designing or troubleshooting HMI and SCADA systems in a production environment
- Familiarity with industrial networking protocols including EtherNet/IP, Modbus, and Profibus
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, panel drawings, and instrumentation diagrams
- Experience with motion control systems, servo drives, or robotics integration in a manufacturing setting
Controls Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in Michigan?
Most controls engineers in Michigan start with a bachelor's degree in electrical or systems engineering from a Michigan university such as Michigan Tech, University of Michigan, or Michigan State University. Michigan does not require a state-issued license specifically for controls engineers, though earning a Professional Engineer license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs strengthens your candidacy for senior roles. Employers commonly expect hands-on PLC and automation experience alongside the degree.
How much do controls engineers make in Michigan?
Controls engineers in Michigan earn a median of about $101,680 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $74,060 for the lowest 10% to over $140,140 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in Michigan?
Employers hiring controls engineers in Michigan right now include Stellantis, General Motors (GM), and Dematic, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's deep automotive and industrial manufacturing base means demand is consistent across both OEM headquarters and their extensive supplier networks throughout the state.
Which Michigan cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Grand Rapids, Auburn Hills, and Detroit have the most controls engineer openings in Michigan. Detroit and its suburbs, including Auburn Hills and Warren, drive the largest share of demand because of the dense concentration of automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and systems integrators headquartered there, while Grand Rapids supports a growing industrial manufacturing cluster on the west side of the state.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is largely hands-on work tied to physical equipment, production lines, and factory floors, which limits how much of the role can move off-site. About 38% of controls engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to cover tasks like PLC code review, documentation, and system design work that don't require being on the plant floor.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to co-op or new-graduate rotational programs run by Michigan's large automotive manufacturers and automation firms, where you work alongside senior engineers on live production systems. General Motors and Stellantis both maintain structured early-career engineering programs at Michigan facilities. Candidates with hands-on PLC work from a university capstone project or technical internship, or those moving laterally from electrical technician or maintenance engineering roles, tend to get the most traction.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly.
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