Hybrid Launch Controls Engineer

at DISHER

• Job title: Launch Controls Engineer
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Junior, Mid level
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Zeeland, United States

About the role

• Controls Engineer designing and supporting PLC-based control systems at a leading advanced manufacturer. Collaborating on custom automation projects with a focus on quality and safety.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement robust controls and electrical designs in alignment with company standards, project requirements, and customer specifications.
• Select appropriate hardware, design control panels, and create detailed electrical schematics, layouts, and bills of materials.
• Program, debug, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, and auxiliary control systems to meet desired functionality, performance, and safety standards.
• Ensure electrical designs and component purchases align with project budgets and timelines, coordinating closely with mechanical and purchasing teams.
• Lead risk assessments, identify potential issues early, and implement mitigation strategies that ensure safe and reliable machine operation.
• Manage installation, startup, and site acceptance testing of equipment, providing expert troubleshooting and technical support throughout.
• Drive onsite warranty work, retrofits, and upgrades while maintaining strong communication and collaboration with customers.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, mechanical, and project teams to deliver integrated automation solutions that meet performance goals.
• Analyze root causes of issues and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence on current and future projects.
• Communicate effectively with suppliers to specify and integrate nonstandard components for unique customer applications.
• Manage controls project workflows to ensure on-time, high-quality, and cost-effective execution.
• Participate in quoting, design reviews, and continuous improvement activities to enhance quality and efficiency.
• Balance customer needs with company objectives to achieve long-term success and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (preferred) or equivalent training and certifications.
• 2-5 years of experience designing custom automation controls and debugging a variety of programming codes.
• Must be willing to travel 30-50% of the time to customer sites.
• Ability to develop, write, and troubleshoot complex PLC programs.
• Strong foundational knowledge of control and electrical system design and its application in automation.
• Skilled in designing complete control systems that meet performance, safety, and cost requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with risk assessment, safety circuit design, and safety system programming.
• Proficient in integrating and programming third-party components and software such as vision systems, barcode readers, leak testers, and laser markers.
• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate with customers, team members, and external partners to solve complex challenges.
• Capable of working independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and planning skills to ensure efficient project execution across multiple controls engineering efforts.
• Understanding various plastic joining processes with the ability to develop creative solutions to complex production issues (preferred).
• Experience wiring special machines, working with AC and DC motors and gearings, and designing or building electrical panels (preferred).
• Proven experience programming robots (Fanuc preferred, but others as applicable) (preferred).
• Expert in automation safety (certified) (preferred).
• In-depth understanding of NEC and NFPA70E, ANSI, and ISO requirements for machine safety (preferred).

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional development