Automation Controls Systems Engineer (PLC/HMI)

Step Into a Day in the Life

Morning in Grand Ledge begins with a design review: you refine electrical schematics and panel layouts in AutoCAD Electrical, sketch out pneumatic and hydraulic circuits for new equipment, and choose the right mix of sensors, safety devices, VFDs, servos, and vision components. By midday, you’re building PLC and HMI logic—most often in Allen‑Bradley Studio 5000 or Siemens TIA Portal—then heading to the floor to simulate, debug, and prepare for a factory acceptance test. A few times each month (~25% travel annually), you’re on-site with a customer, commissioning systems, validating safety per ISO 13849, and leading the final handoff—complete with a clear, comprehensive operator and maintenance manual you authored.

About Roberts Sinto and Sinto America

Roberts Sinto Corporation, based in Grand Ledge, MI, is part of the Sinto America Group—the North American subsidiary of Sintokogio, Ltd. Together, we serve manufacturers across the globe with advanced equipment and services. Sinto America spans seven core segments: Foundry Mold and Core Making, Sand Processing, Bulk Material Handling, Automation, 3D Ceramic Printing, Surface Treatment, and Surface Technologies. For more than 50 years, Roberts Sinto has specialized in designing and building solutions for foundry, surface treatment, and material handling, continually broadening capabilities to meet evolving industrial needs.

Role level: Controls Engineer II (mid-level)

What You’ll Own

• Create electrical controls deliverables: schematics, panel layouts, and I/O wiring drawings using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Engineer hydraulic and pneumatic circuits to achieve machine functions.
• Develop PLC/HMI applications in Rockwell (Studio 5000) or Siemens (TIA Portal).
• Select and integrate sensors, vision systems, variable frequency drives, servo systems, and safety hardware.
• Lead build, debug, FAT/SAT, and commissioning at our facility and at customer sites (~25% travel).
• Manage small–to–medium projects to schedule, scope, and budget.
• Produce operator and maintenance documentation for customer turnover.

Your Background

• Education: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: 5–7 years in industrial automation/controls.
• Core technical strength: Rockwell or Siemens platforms.
• Safety and standards: Safety PLC programming with ISO 13849 familiarity; knowledge of NFPA 70 (NEC) and NFPA 79.
• Networking: EtherNet/IP, Modbus, and Link‑IO.
• Preferred extras: Robot integration (FANUC, ABB, KUKA), Mitsubishi GX Works, and Industry 4.0 concepts.
• Strong troubleshooting, applied math, and problem-solving abilities.
• Comfort working around mechanical/electrical systems and moderate noise; ability to lift up to 50 lbs; willingness to travel ~25% annually.

Proficiencies We Value

• PLC troubleshooting and programming
• Reading/creating electrical schematics
• Industrial robot programming
• Electrical installation and industrial electrical experience
• Electrical/electronic systems and DFM awareness
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent background)

Tools and Technologies

• VFDs
• CAD tools: AutoCAD; Siemens NX/NX CAD
• Vision systems
• Servo motors and motion control

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with strong company match and profit sharing
• Company-paid life, disability, and AD&D insurance
• Health and dependent care FSAs
• Generous PTO and sick time
• Tuition reimbursement and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

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Note: Any pay figures you may see online are auto-generated by job board algorithms and do not represent Sinto’s official range. Actual compensation is based on skills, location, experience, and other individualized factors.