Industrial Controls Systems Engineer

Location: Auburn Hills, MI (On-site)

About Munro & Associates

Munro & Associates is a recognized leader in advanced engineering, manufacturing solutions, and product optimization, serving a diverse range of clients from established automotive manufacturers to emerging technology innovators. Our team works on complex, cutting-edge projects that improve manufacturing performance, drive innovation, and solve real-world engineering challenges.

We are seeking an experienced Industrial Controls Engineer to join our Defense team. This role focuses on industrial automation, controls system integration, PLC programming, and manufacturing systems connectivity. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise in industrial controls and a practical understanding of how automation, equipment, and manufacturing systems work together to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient production operations.

At Munro & Associates, you will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams and customers to develop and implement innovative manufacturing solutions for complex, high-impact projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, troubleshoot, and support industrial control systems for manufacturing equipment, automated production lines, and assembly processes.
• Program, configure, and integrate PLCs, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and other industrial automation components.
• Support the integration of equipment-level controls with manufacturing execution systems (MES), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and other plant-floor systems.
• Develop and support controls architectures, equipment communication strategies, and manufacturing system connectivity.
• Interpret technical data packages, engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and system requirements to define controls and automation requirements.
• Support the planning, design, installation, commissioning, and launch of manufacturing equipment and automated processes.
• Troubleshoot controls, electrical, and automation issues to identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions.
• Develop and support real-time process controls, cell controllers, equipment monitoring, process data collection, and production reporting systems.
• Establish and support shop-floor data collection, product traceability, and manufacturing system integration strategies.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, electrical, mechanical, quality, IT, and equipment engineering teams to optimize system performance and production efficiency.
• Evaluate automation technologies and recommend controls solutions that meet technical requirements, project objectives, and budget expectations.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles to improve equipment utilization, workflow, process reliability, and overall manufacturing performance.
• Maintain direct communication with customers to understand technical requirements, resolve issues, and ensure successful project execution.
• Develop technical documentation, system specifications, controls strategies, and project deliverables.
• Support manufacturing quality systems, materials management, and maintenance management system integration as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in industrial controls, automation, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related technical field.
• Strong experience with PLC programming, troubleshooting, and industrial automation systems.
• Experience with industrial control platforms such as Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation, Siemens, or comparable systems.
• Knowledge of HMI development, industrial networking, equipment integration, and controls system architecture.
• Understanding of manufacturing systems and communication protocols, including ERP, MRP, and MES integration.
• Experience with real-time process controls, automated production equipment, data acquisition, process monitoring, and shop-floor traceability.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, engineering drawings, technical specifications, and equipment documentation.
• Experience with robotics, high-speed automation, tooling, molding, fixtures, or automated assembly systems is preferred.
• Background in automotive manufacturing, defense manufacturing, or other complex industrial environments is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Project.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify root causes and implement practical technical solutions.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and overnight to company and customer facilities as project requirements dictate.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) and eligible to obtain a U.S. government Secret security clearance.

Key Competencies

• Strong technical aptitude in industrial controls, automation, and manufacturing systems.
• Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis skills.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and capable of taking ownership of technical challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly.
• Effective collaboration across multidisciplinary engineering teams and with customer stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a project-based environment.
• Adaptability and a positive, solutions-oriented approach to engineering challenges.

Benefits Overview

• Competitive salary.
• Paid time off, including vacation days and holidays.
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
• Generous company 401(k) contribution.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Munro & Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are not intended to be comprehensive. The organization reserves the right to assign additional tasks or modify existing responsibilities as operational needs require.