Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in Michigan
Electrical Controls Engineer jobs in Michigan are among the most active in the Midwest, with strong demand concentrated in automotive manufacturing, industrial automation, and advanced defense systems at every level from entry-level controls technician through senior systems architect. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Auburn Hills anchor most of the hiring, where established employers like General Motors, Stellantis, and Rockwell Automation maintain large engineering footprints. The most in-demand specialties include PLC programming, HMI development, and machine safety systems integration. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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This Electrical Controls Technician position will be part of a Plant Engineering team that is responsible for maintenance of the facility and equipment including all manufacturing processes in Plant 4 Thermatech in Whitehall, MI. This group is responsible for the implementation of projects to upgrade existing equipment and systems, coordinates and supports plant rearrangements and assists in the selection, procurement and installation of new equipment to support changes in our manufacturing process. This group also supports the day-to-day operations by acting as a resource for skilled trades and contracted services.
Required Qualifications:
- Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Technology, Mechatronics and minimum of 3 years of experience in an equipment build/maintenance or manufacturing environment OR minimum of 10 years of experience in equipment build/maintenance and PLC control systems.
Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PLC programming experience.
- HMI programming experience.
- Experience with Allen Bradley PLC & RSLogix5000.
- Knowledge of Electrical distribution systems for voltage below 600V
- Proficient user of AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical.
- Good verbal and written communication skills, PC and analytical skills.
- Experience with industrial robots, Motoman or other.
- Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E and NFPA 79.
- Previous experience with casting technologies including induction melting systems.
- Functional understanding of industrial vacuum systems.
- Experience with Wonderware or intellution SCADA software integration
This Electrical Controls Technician position will be part of a Plant Engineering team that is responsible for maintenance of the facility and equipment including all manufacturing processes in Plant 4 Thermatech in Whitehall, MI. This group is responsible for the implementation of projects to upgrade existing equipment and systems, coordinates and supports plant rearrangements and assists in the selection, procurement and installation of new equipment to support changes in our manufacturing process. This group also supports the day-to-day operations by acting as a resource for skilled trades and contracted services.
Required Qualifications:
- Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Technology, Mechatronics and minimum of 3 years of experience in an equipment build/maintenance or manufacturing environment OR minimum of 10 years of experience in equipment build/maintenance and PLC control systems.
Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PLC programming experience.
- HMI programming experience.
- Experience with Allen Bradley PLC & RSLogix5000.
- Knowledge of Electrical distribution systems for voltage below 600V
- Proficient user of AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical.
- Good verbal and written communication skills, PC and analytical skills.
- Experience with industrial robots, Motoman or other.
- Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E and NFPA 79.
- Previous experience with casting technologies including induction melting systems.
- Functional understanding of industrial vacuum systems.
- Experience with Wonderware or intellution SCADA software integration
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Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Electrical Controls Engineer Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in electrical controls engineer jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or closely related field required
- Hands-on experience with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi
- Proficiency in HMI design and SCADA system configuration and troubleshooting
- Familiarity with machine safety standards including NFPA 79 and ISO 13849
- Experience reading and developing electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN
- Strong background in automotive or industrial manufacturing environments preferred by Michigan employers
Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become an electrical controls engineer in Michigan?
Electrical controls engineers in Michigan typically begin with a bachelor's degree in electrical or controls engineering from a Michigan institution such as Michigan Technological University, University of Michigan, or Michigan State University. The role does not require a state-issued professional engineer license for most controls positions, though earning a Professional Engineer license through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs strengthens candidacy for senior roles and project sign-off responsibilities. Employers value hands-on PLC and HMI experience, often gained through co-op or internship programs embedded in Michigan automotive and manufacturing facilities.
How much do electrical controls engineers make in Michigan?
Electrical controls engineers in Michigan earn a median of about $106,070 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $75,880 for the lowest 10% to over $159,090 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire electrical controls engineers in Michigan?
Employers hiring electrical controls engineers in Michigan right now include KLA, Ghafari, and Howmet Aerospace, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Michigan's deep automotive and industrial automation base means controls engineering openings tend to cluster around Tier 1 suppliers and OEM facilities throughout the southeast and west of the state.
Which Michigan cities have the most electrical controls engineer jobs?
Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Dearborn have the most electrical controls engineer openings in Michigan. Detroit and Auburn Hills dominate due to the dense concentration of automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in the metro, while Grand Rapids draws significant demand from its growing food processing and industrial equipment manufacturing sector.
Are there remote electrical controls engineer jobs in Michigan?
Yes, but they're rare. Electrical controls engineering is fundamentally hands-on work involving physical equipment commissioning, plant-floor troubleshooting, and machine safety validation that requires on-site presence. About 20% of electrical controls engineer openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to be in systems design, documentation, or project management phases rather than active commissioning work.
How can I get hired as an electrical controls engineer in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a co-op or internship through a Michigan engineering program, since major automotive employers like General Motors and Stellantis run structured early-career rotations that convert to full-time offers. Candidates without direct controls experience who hold adjacent roles such as electrician, controls technician, or automation technician have a strong footing given Michigan's manufacturing labor market. Building a hands-on PLC project portfolio and pursuing a Certified Automation Professional credential through ISA meaningfully separates newer candidates in competitive applicant pools.
Where can I find and apply to electrical controls engineer jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to electrical controls engineer jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the employer.
See All 18 Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs in Michigan
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