Controls Engineer (Litchfield)
StaffBright, Litchfield, MI, United States
StaffBright is seeking a hands-on, technically strong
Controls Engineer
who thrives in a fast-paced, production-driven environment. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building automation systems from the ground up, owning PLC programming, and playing a key role in bringing advanced manufacturing equipment online.
This is a fully onsite, full-time opportunity based in Litchfield, MI, with a cutting-edge, growth-oriented organization developing innovative technology that is transforming building performance.
What You Will Be Doing
Design, develop, and program PLC systems from scratch (ladder logic and structured text) for new automated manufacturing equipment
Modify and optimize existing PLC programs to improve cycle time, reduce downtime, and increase throughput
Lead integration and commissioning of automation hardware including sensors, vision systems, motion control, and robotics
Troubleshoot and debug PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and automation systems to resolve production issues
Support equipment startup, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and full integration into manufacturing operations
Develop I/O maps, configure communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, ProfiNet), and ensure proper system integration
Analyze manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks and implement improvements
Partner cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and process engineering teams
Create and maintain technical documentation including schematics, FDS, and PLC/HMI code standards
Train maintenance and production teams on new systems and upgrades
What We Need From You
To be considered for this role, candidates must have the following experience and skills:
7+ years of hands-on PLC programming experience, including writing programs from scratch
Strong experience with Allen-Bradley / Studio 5000 (Siemens or Omron exposure is a plus)
Background in manufacturing environments with a focus on production support
Proven ability to design, program, and commission new automation systems and equipment
Experience troubleshooting complex automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and motion control
Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols and system integration
Ability to work cross-functionally and support high-performance production environments
All-Star Skillset
The ideal candidate will also bring any or all of the following:
Experience with robotics (Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, Kawasaki)
Exposure to vacuum systems, thermal processes, or glass manufacturing
Experience in highly customizable or advanced manufacturing environments (non-automotive backgrounds welcome)
Strong continuous improvement mindset with experience optimizing uptime and cycle time
Ability to create and enforce controls and automation standards
The Perks
Competitive base salary (Up to $130K, with flexibility for top talent)
10% bonus + company equity plan
Relocation assistance available
Opportunity to build automation systems from scratch and make a visible impact
High-growth environment with cutting-edge technology
Direct exposure to leadership and influence on engineering direction
Collaborative, hands-on culture with strong team alignment
StaffBright – Who We Are
StaffBright connects exceptional professionals with fulfilling opportunities in Finance, IT, Engineering, and Sales and Marketing. By partnering with industry-leading organizations, we help accelerate careers while delivering outstanding results for our clients. At StaffBright, we go beyond traditional staffing by fostering close collaboration with our clients, recruiters, and candidates to ensure talent needs are met efficiently. Our commitment to building long-term relationships and driving success sets us apart as a trusted partner in the staffing industry.
Controls Engineer
who thrives in a fast-paced, production-driven environment. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building automation systems from the ground up, owning PLC programming, and playing a key role in bringing advanced manufacturing equipment online.
This is a fully onsite, full-time opportunity based in Litchfield, MI, with a cutting-edge, growth-oriented organization developing innovative technology that is transforming building performance.
What You Will Be Doing
Design, develop, and program PLC systems from scratch (ladder logic and structured text) for new automated manufacturing equipment
Modify and optimize existing PLC programs to improve cycle time, reduce downtime, and increase throughput
Lead integration and commissioning of automation hardware including sensors, vision systems, motion control, and robotics
Troubleshoot and debug PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and automation systems to resolve production issues
Support equipment startup, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and full integration into manufacturing operations
Develop I/O maps, configure communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus, ProfiNet), and ensure proper system integration
Analyze manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks and implement improvements
Partner cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, and process engineering teams
Create and maintain technical documentation including schematics, FDS, and PLC/HMI code standards
Train maintenance and production teams on new systems and upgrades
What We Need From You
To be considered for this role, candidates must have the following experience and skills:
7+ years of hands-on PLC programming experience, including writing programs from scratch
Strong experience with Allen-Bradley / Studio 5000 (Siemens or Omron exposure is a plus)
Background in manufacturing environments with a focus on production support
Proven ability to design, program, and commission new automation systems and equipment
Experience troubleshooting complex automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and motion control
Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols and system integration
Ability to work cross-functionally and support high-performance production environments
All-Star Skillset
The ideal candidate will also bring any or all of the following:
Experience with robotics (Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, Kawasaki)
Exposure to vacuum systems, thermal processes, or glass manufacturing
Experience in highly customizable or advanced manufacturing environments (non-automotive backgrounds welcome)
Strong continuous improvement mindset with experience optimizing uptime and cycle time
Ability to create and enforce controls and automation standards
The Perks
Competitive base salary (Up to $130K, with flexibility for top talent)
10% bonus + company equity plan
Relocation assistance available
Opportunity to build automation systems from scratch and make a visible impact
High-growth environment with cutting-edge technology
Direct exposure to leadership and influence on engineering direction
Collaborative, hands-on culture with strong team alignment
StaffBright – Who We Are
StaffBright connects exceptional professionals with fulfilling opportunities in Finance, IT, Engineering, and Sales and Marketing. By partnering with industry-leading organizations, we help accelerate careers while delivering outstanding results for our clients. At StaffBright, we go beyond traditional staffing by fostering close collaboration with our clients, recruiters, and candidates to ensure talent needs are met efficiently. Our commitment to building long-term relationships and driving success sets us apart as a trusted partner in the staffing industry.