Controls engineering jobs in Michigan are so plentiful because these jobs are not just in the traditional automotive manufacturing areas of Detroit or the surrounding metro Detroit areas. Job seekers can find controls engineering career opportunities all over the state of Michigan; in the medical, industrial manufacturing, defense, and other automation-related industries. Michigan’s highly skilled controls engineering jobs exist in both metropolitan and rural areas.
Controls Engineering Jobs:
Anywhere computerized automation is utilized, you will find controls engineering jobs in Michigan. If you want to become an automation engineer working on controllers, you will find career opportunities in Michigan.
Did you know?
Types of control systems:
If the industrial automation industry interests you, then understanding the difference between each type of control system is essential. Below, I list the three types.
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC): These are industrial computer controllers used to automate precise processes, assembly production lines, and other machine functions.
- Distributed Control System (DCS): Communicate with industrial automation equipment using computerized software and specialized hardware controllers that talk with a human machine interface (HMI).
- Programmable Automation Controller (PAC): This industrial controller links the capabilities of a programmable logic controller with computing capabilities, all while operating multiple domains on one platform.
Education Requirements For Controls Engineering Jobs:
The best collegiate programs will focus on both theoretical and practical courses. Students will learn how to write a PLC program in a control system and develop an understanding of software engineering and electrical engineering principles. To find more controls engineer jobs, students may take more comprehensive automation courses to increase their engineering discipline..
Systems Engineering Universities:
In pursuit of a job as a controls engineer? Check out these colleges in Michigan that will help you achieve that goal of becoming an automation engineer.
Types Of Automation Engineer Degrees:
Some controls engineering jobs in Michigan do not require a specific degree to get a job, but many engineers often have a degree listed below:
- Control Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Industrial Engineer
- Electrical Controls Engineer
- Electrical Design Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
Individuals who have completed a college degree and have some technical plc program training or experience in this field can typically find jobs easily within the automation industry.
If you are looking for entry-level controls engineering jobs in Michigan as a contract engineer, look to engineering services platforms like JOINER Services. They specialize in self-employed contract engineers who can promote their services on their platform to find available contract work.
Experience as a controls engineer.
On-the-job training, certifications, or prior work experience in the industry are how most controls engineers start in the automation industry. Depending on the job type, specific certification of control structures is often required for specific company positions. Companies will note in the job description that applicants must complete a training program that meets specific educational requirements. These courses can be incredibly challenging and time-consuming, but once finished will lead to better controls engineering job opportunities in the future.
Increase in automation processes.
The number of controls engineering jobs in Michigan for this type of engineering role is expected to grow rapidly as the state and country grow in population and automation processes increasingly advance in technology. New job ads are popping up all over the United States. More people are interested in obtaining a position in the automation industry.
New graduates and experienced controls engineers can benefit from being a part of the increased number of job seekers, especially in Michigan, which has such a large industrial manufacturing industry. Whether you are planning on relocating to Michigan or living here, you can effortlessly search for jobs in the various automation sectors the state offers.
Controls engineers salary in Michigan.
Contract controls engineering positions are some of Michigan’s highest-paying controls engineering jobs. Those who become self-employed often earn even higher annual wages than the national average of $86,000. You do not need a fancy job title because you can boost your salary well into the six-figure mark if you learn other skills, such as robot programming or electrical engineering. A senior controls engineer can expect who has some project management experience will have a starting salary of over six figures.
The average annual salary for a Controls Engineer in Michigan is $71,000 per year. This rate is approximately $34.32 an hour as a W2 employee. The wages in Michigan will see an extensive range of pay because of the state’s abundance of control engineering jobs. However, this means many opportunities for advancement and increased revenue based on location, skill level, and years of experience. Michigan ranks towards the bottom five in pay because of the number of engineers that live there.
Below is an average expected salary for a controls engineer in Michigan:
Controls Engineer Job Responsibilities:
As a controls engineer, you could work closely with welding engineers, electrical engineers, and robot programmers. All are vital links between various automation and joining processes; the controls engineers’ job is to connect them. Besides working on Program Control Logic (PLC), you may also be trained to operate Human Machine Interface (HMI) modules and be required to understand the electrical control systems. Control engineers have critical automation duties, and many can manage the essential functions of an industrial robot.
- Design responsibility of controller systems.
- Development and installation of control systems.
- Programming of PLC, DCS, PAC, and HMI units.
- Set up remote operations of automation processes.
- Testing and validation of equipment, systems, or processes.
- Support the automation system.
- Documentation of processes.
- Reading and understanding electrical schematics.
Controls Engineering Skill Structures:
Every company uses a different skill structure, or computer language, for its automation processes. You must know what these are before you apply for the control engineer job, as some skills require certificates or external training before using them.
Automation controller brands:
Below, I list the top controller brands used by controls engineers.
- Siemens
- Allen Bradley (Rockwell Automation)
- Ignition
- Omron
- Hitachi
- Honeywell
- Mitsubishi
- Beckhoff
- Schneider Electric
Michigan controls engineering jobs!
There are numerous jobs available in the field of controls engineering in Michigan, as well as many openings for control engineers throughout the United States, because of an increase in automation and automation processes. This creates a significant demand for control engineers, especially in manufacturing.
Controls Engineering Companies In Michigan:
Looking for controls engineering or automation jobs in Michigan? Take a look at these top automation companies below.
Controls Engineer Job Duties.
A controls engineer in the manufacturing industry may be responsible for testing, designing, and building mechanical systems for products, parts, or fully integrated systems. These employees often have a variety of engineering and automation job duties. They test machines, build prototypes, work on cycle times, and troubleshoot complex mechanical systems.
These types of controls engineering jobs may also be involved in the design of manufacturing processes and may perform final tests before a product is released for production. Job requirements as a controls engineer can be exceedingly demanding but offer great career possibilities in various industrial sectors in Michigan.
Controls engineering essential job requirements:
Most controls engineering installation jobs will require these four critical components for each assigned project. For the project to be considered a success, the four requirements must be met below.
- Controller Design
- Power-On
- Support
- Debugging / Troubleshooting
Completing all four phases of your project will show your employer you are a valuable asset to the team and will quickly be able to move up through your organization.
Automation in Michigan:
Jobs in controls engineering in Michigan are abundant and continue to increase globally as the push to automate processes grows in almost every element of society. Those hard-working engineers, who thrive as controls engineers, will have their pick of jobs in Michigan.
If you want to gain industry knowledge and wealth quickly, start your job search as a contract controls engineer. Self-employed control engineers are often some of the highest-paid professionals in the automation industry because of the high hourly rates they charge for their engineering services. Look to promote yourself as a self-employed controls engineering contractor on the JOINER Services platform. At JOINER Services, contract engineers can connect with new clients in Michigan or other parts of the United States.
Overview of controls engineering jobs in Michigan.
In this article, I described where and how to find control engineering jobs in Michigan. I talked in detail about the technical side of PLC programming, like the different types of control systems and the types of controls engineering skill structures. I even touched on the most common controller brands used in the United States and the job responsibilities of working as a controls engineer.
I shared a graph on the expected controls engineering salary depending on experience level and the percentage of workers who make that kind of money. I showed another chart of companies that use controls engineers in Michigan. Plus, I talked about how the job market in the automation industry in the state of Michigan is growing and how that will also lead to more job opportunities in the state.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Below, I list the FAQ’s about controls engineering jobs in Michigan.
What is the job outlook for a controls engineer in Michigan?
Michigan has a long history in the automotive industry, a significant employer of control engineers. However, the job market for controls engineers is broader than the automotive OEM or tier supplier industry. Many other opportunities exist in sectors such as aerospace, manufacturing, food and beverage, packaging, pharmaceutical, and energy.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of electrical and electronics engineers, including controls engineers, is projected to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031, about the average rate for all occupations. However, the specific job outlook for controls engineers in Michigan may vary heavily based on the state’s automotive industry. Other automation markets exist in the state and will change with the overall economic climate and the demand for automation and control systems within their respective industries.
It is important to note that the automation job market is constantly evolving, and the job outlook for control engineers in Michigan may change based on various factors. It is always a good idea to stay informed about the latest industry trends and network with other professionals to keep up-to-date on new job opportunities.
What are some common job titles for a controls engineer?
Below, I suggest that when you search jobs as a controls engineer, you set job alerts for the following job types:
- Controls Engineer
- Automation Engineer
- PLC Technician
- Controls Technician
- Field Controls Engineer
- Automation Control Engineer
- Controls Project Engineer
- Senior Controls Engineer
- Electrical Controls Engineer
- Automation Project Manager
- Robotics Engineer
Is controls engineering a good career choice in Michigan?
Controls engineering can be a great career choice in Michigan for those interested in working in automation and control systems. As mentioned above, Michigan has a long history in the automotive industry, and many companies require the services of controls engineers to design and maintain automated manufacturing systems.
Controls engineering is a highly technical field requiring specialized skills and knowledge in electrical engineering, computer science, and mathematics. However, the demand for skilled controls engineers will likely remain strong as automation and control systems become more widespread in multiple industries.
Knowing if controls engineering is a good career choice in Michigan depends on multiple factors, like an individual’s interests in automation, technical skills, and work-related goals, as well as the state of the job market in Michigan. However, for those talented individuals who enjoy working with technology and are interested in automation and control systems, controls engineering can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice.
Remote controls engineering jobs in Michigan.
Remote controls engineering jobs in Michigan are becoming increasingly common, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led many companies to implement remote work arrangements. While the availability of remote controls engineering jobs may vary by industry and company, many employers are now offering remote work options to attract and retain top-level and senior controls engineers.
Remote control engineering jobs typically involve remotely designing, testing, and maintaining automated systems. This can be done using various communication and collaboration tools such as video conferencing, file sharing, and project management software.
One advantage of remote controls engineering jobs is that they allow professionals to work from anywhere with an internet connection, providing more flexibility and work-life balance. Additionally, remote work can often lead to cost savings for employers and employees, as it eliminates the need for commuting and physical office space.
Remote work presents some challenges, such as the need for solid communication and collaboration skills and the potential for distractions and isolation. Therefore, it is crucial for controls engineers considering a remote work arrangement to carefully weigh the pros and cons and ensure they have the necessary skills and self-discipline to succeed in a remote work environment.
Remote controls engineering jobs in Michigan can provide an excellent opportunity for professionals to work in a highly technical and rewarding field while enjoying the benefits of working from home.
Where can I get PLC training?
Getting hands-on PLC programmer training before using any automation equipment for the first time is important. Whether you are a controls technician or engineer, you generally have two options for training. Go directly to the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or go to a third-party resource for training.
The most important part when looking for PLC training is finding a PLC training course that specializes in the type of equipment that is at your facility, and they have the same equipment to train with. Second, you must find a course that fits your personal skill set. You would not want to take an advanced PLC course for a senior controls engineer if your technical skills are at a beginner level. And thirdly, it is vital to know the controller-to-student ratio. Time with your hands on the automation equipment is the most important factor in learning, so the more 1-on-1 time, the better.
