Senior Controls Designer | Detroit, MI

Senior Controls Designer | Detroit, MI

100% Employee-Owned | Big-firm resources, local-team relationships, ONE IMEG culture

IMEG is hiring a Senior Controls Designer in Detroit, MI to lead the design and delivery of control systems for projects of any complexity, working closely with engineers and senior staff to deliver high-quality outcomes. This role includes managing design documentation, specifying system components, overseeing quality assurance, and supporting PLC and HMI programming, including limited on-site implementation and commissioning.

You will also maintain project budgets, mentor team members, and collaborate across disciplines to meet project goals and client expectations. The role supports industrial and manufacturing work and includes schedule management, client coordination, billing and forecasting, construction support, and issue resolution.

At a Glance

Location: Detroit, MI

Discipline: Controls

Markets: Industrial; Manufacturing; MEP

Ownership: 100% employee-owned (ESOP)

Travel: Up to 20%

Work Schedule: Full-time hybrid

Sponsorship: Not available

What You'll Do

• Lead design and engineering for control system projects of all complexities, including network systems, motor starters, PLC/SCADA, and control enclosures

• Collaborate with Controls Project Designers to develop engineering solutions, hardware specs, and submittal documents

• Perform PLC and HMI programming, commissioning, and on-site implementation as needed

• Ensure quality assurance of client deliverables and adherence to standards and codes

• Manage and coordinate projects of varying sizes, overseeing scope, schedule, and execution

• Support proposal development by assisting with design scopes, fee estimates, and contract reviews

• Develop and maintain project schedules, tracking milestones and deadlines

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal teams and clients

• Handle monthly billing, financial reporting, and project forecasting

• Lead design reviews, enforce quality control, and provide timely construction support

• Conduct site visits, manage change orders, and resolve client or construction issues

• Mentor and train staff while building and maintaining strong client relationships

What You'll Bring

Required

Education

• Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent required

Experience

• 7 years of experience minimum required, 8 preferred, in the control systems automation and instrumentation consulting or construction industry

• 11 years of experience minimum required, 12 preferred, in the control systems automation and instrumentation consulting or construction industry

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong expertise in design techniques, tools, and production of technical plans and specifications

• Proficient in interpreting and creating controls documentation, including P&ID (Process & Instrumentation Diagram) drawings and symbols

• Skilled in managing and completing moderately complex control system designs

• Knowledgeable in commissioning processes such as PLC programming, HMI development, IO testing, and drive setup

• Strong technical and analytical skills across all aspects of controls design

• Capable of performing PLC programming and HMI development independently

• Proficient with Adobe and Bluebeam Revu for document handling and markup

• Experienced in mentoring, training, and leading team members

• Able to perform final quality control reviews within area of expertise

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and client relationship-building skills

• Proficient with MS Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, and Outlook

• Ability to travel up to 20% with occasional overnight stays that may range up to a two week period

Preferred

• Associates degree, or certificate, in Automation and Instrumentation, or Engineering preferred

About the Team

• This industrial team brings a process- and manufacturing-oriented focus with strong mechanical, electrical, process engineering, and automation/controls involvement.

• Its portfolio includes recurring automotive R&D, chemical process, manufacturing support, and some civil and municipal utility work.

• The team is especially strong in technical industrial environments and production-support infrastructure.

• Recent work includes Rockford International Airport / Terminal Remoel / Phase 2 - Departures, Transportation; 3M/Misc 2017, Industrial; and Bee Branch / Stormwater Pumping Station, Government (City/County/State).

Why IMEG

We put people at the center of who we are, creating positive outcomes for people, communities, and our planet.

• Employee ownership (ESOP), fully vested at all times, with a 3% to 6% company contribution, plus year-end profit sharing

• IDEA Program: a firm-wide innovation accelerator where employees across every discipline develop and scale new tools, from VR and AI to carbon-reduction technology

• PE, SE, and other license exam prep and support, with a clear path from EIT to PE

• Dress for Your Day flexibility (wear what fits your day)

• Generous time off, including 6 paid holidays and 3 additional floating holidays

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one, with preventive care at 100%, a $50/month wellness credit, and a Calm subscription

• MEG, our in-house AI platform, helps employees find information and build agents that streamline project workflows and calculations

Bring Your Career to IMEG

Apply today and bring your controls expertise to work that supports clients, strengthens teams, and helps deliver successful project outcomes.