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Controls & Automation Engineer

Hoekstra Electrical Services Holland, Michigan, United States

onsitefull-time
Posted Aug 21, 2026

**Role & seniority: ** Controls & Automation Engineer (mid-level; 2+ years controls/automation engineering experience)

**Stack/tools: **

  • PLC/HMI: Allen-Bradley, Siemens, GE/Emerson, Keyence, Ignition

  • Robotics: Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa (other industrial robot systems)

  • Electrical design: AutoCAD Electrical

  • Work activities: electrical controls design, wiring motors/sensors/control components, system installation/commissioning

  • Top 3 responsibilities:

    1. PLC and HMI programming across multiple vendor platforms (Ignition included)

    2. Electrical controls design and on-site work: installation, modification, startup, troubleshooting, and support

    3. Robot programming when applicable (Fanuc/ABB/Yaskawa) plus integration with automation systems

  • Must-have skills:

    • Strong PLC and HMI programming

    • Strong electrical troubleshooting

    • Hands-on wiring of motors, sensors, and industrial control components

    • Ability to adapt to changing priorities

    • Clear verbal and written communication

    • Valid driver’s license (local driving required)

  • Nice-to-haves:

    • Robot programming experience

    • AutoCAD Electrical

    • Technical training in automation/controls/robotics (or related)

  • Location & work type:

    • West Michigan (primarily local)

    • ~10% travel, mostly within the continental US

Full Description

As a Controls & Automation Engineer, you have the opportunity to work for many great companies throughout West Michigan. If you are looking for a highly skilled, close-knit team that enjoys diverse projects, maintains a healthy work-life balance, and is led by compassionate, servant-minded leadership, look no further than the Controls Division of Hoekstra Electrical Services. At Hoekstra, we work reasonable hours that allow our employees to enjoy both professional success and personal fulfillment.

For more than 20 years, Hoekstra Electrical Services has built a reputation for delivering high-quality electrical, controls, and automation solutions across a wide range of industries, including

  • Agricultural
  • Commercial
  • Industrial
  • Renewable Energy
  • Residential
  • Our customers trust us because we do what we say we will do with integrity, excellence, and professionalism. Our employees are honest, hardworking, dependable, and genuinely care about serving others.
  • Why Join Hoekstra?

In addition to feeling valued, heard, and supported, our Controls & Automation Engineers enjoy

  • Growth & Development
  • Significant growth opportunities
  • Exposure to diverse automation and controls projects
  • Ongoing learning and technical development
  • Competitive Benefits
  • Medical Insurance (Day One)
  • Dental Insurance (Day One)
  • Vision Insurance (Day One)
  • In-house health clinic
  • 401(k) with 4% Company Match
  • Paid Time Off
  • Quarterly Profit Sharing
  • Vehicle Stipend
  • Paid Mission Trips

What You'll Do

As a Controls & Automation Engineer, your responsibilities will include

  • Primarily local work with approximately 10% travel, mostly within the continental United States

PLC and HMI programming utilizing platforms such as

  • Allen-Bradley
  • Siemens
  • GE/Emerson
  • Keyence
  • Ignition
  • Other industry-leading systems

Robot programming utilizing platforms such as

  • Fanuc
  • ABB
  • Yaskawa
  • Other robotic systems
  • Electrical controls design using AutoCAD Electrical
  • Service calls including system installation, modification, startup, troubleshooting, and support

Qualifications Required Minimum of 2 years of Controls & Automation Engineering experience Strong PLC and HMI programming skills Strong electrical troubleshooting abilities Hands-on experience wiring motors, sensors, and industrial control components Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and project needs Excellent verbal and written communication skills Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record Preferred Experience with robot programming AutoCAD Electrical experience Technical training in automation, controls, robotics, or related fields

Equal Employment Opportunity Hoekstra Electrical Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, experience, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.

PLC ProgrammingHMI ProgrammingElectrical Controls DesignAutoCAD ElectricalRobot ProgrammingElectrical TroubleshootingSystem InstallationSystem ModificationSystem StartupWiringMotor ControlSensor IntegrationIndustrial Control ComponentsCommunication Skillsmulti-location

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