---
title: 'Senior Automation Controls Engineer at Axis Automation'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-automation-controls-engineer-axis-automation-walker-michigan-kmhhv5gcthwa'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-11'
---

# Senior Automation Controls Engineer at Axis Automation

- **Company:** Axis Automation
- **Location:** Walker Michigan, United States
- **Posted:** 2026-07-20
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-11
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/axiscompany/jobs/8640599002

## Job description

Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Axis leverages the teamwork of our leading engineers and machine builders to conceptualize, design, integrate, and service factory automation systems for forward-thinking manufacturing customers.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, and commissioning of custom automation systems. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of projects from concept through customer startup while mentoring fellow engineers, collaborating across disciplines, and delivering innovative automation solutions for a diverse range of industries.

Key Responsibilities:

- Design, program, and commission custom automation systems using PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and simulation software to deliver high-performing, reliable solutions.
- Lead controls engineering efforts across multiple projects, taking ownership from concept and design through machine build, customer runoff, installation, and startup.
- Collaborate closely with Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Build, and Project Management teams to ensure seamless system integration and successful project execution.
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex automation challenges, driving root-cause analysis and implementing long-term solutions.
- Mentor and support fellow controls engineers by sharing technical knowledge, reviewing code, and promoting engineering best practices.
- Partner directly with customers and vendors to define technical requirements, select components, and deliver automation solutions that exceed expectations.
- Continuously improve programming standards, engineering processes, and automation technologies while helping shape the future of our controls team.

Qualifications:

- 5+ years in controls/automation, with multiple full-project life-cycles delivered.
- Strong experience programming PLCs, HMIs, and industrial robots.
- Working knowledge of motion control, safety systems, electrical schematics, and automation system integration.
- Experience supporting projects through the full lifecycle, from concept and design through commissioning and customer startup.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot complex automation systems and develop effective technical solutions.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines and directly with customers.
- A passion for mentoring others, sharing technical knowledge, and contributing to a collaborative engineering culture.
- Willing to travel approximately 10% - 20%.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Experience with robot simulation and offline programming.
- Familiarity with FactoryTalk View, Ignition, or similar HMI platforms.
- Experience with servo systems, VFDs, vision systems, and machine safety.
- Previous experience mentoring junior engineers.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, or related field.

Benefits:

- Comprehensive benefits package with eligibility immediately upon hire.
- Collaborative team environment.
- Opportunities for career growth.
- Exposure to a wide variety of projects across multiple industries.

Salary: $100,000 - $125,000

## About Axis Automation

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Axis Automation engineers and builds advanced factory automation solutions, including robotics integration, project management, and service support, for manufacturers across multiple industries.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Funding not publicly disclosed)
- **Headquarters**: Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
- **Founded**: 2016
- **Founders**: Boyd Vor Broker (Founder & President)

## Core Business
- **Primary industries**: Automation machinery manufacturing, factory automation, robotics integration
- **Markets served**: Automotive, Packaging, Semiconductor, Aerospace, Food & Beverage, Transportation, Health & Medical, Consumer
- **Target customers**: Manufacturers (B2B, primarily mid-market to enterprise)
- **Mission/purpose**: “To be the leading automation solutions provider for the manufacturing community” – supporting the adoption of automation solutions that empower people and enhance productivity

## Products & Services
- **Factory Automation Solutions**: Full lifecycle services including conceptualization, design, engineering, robotics integration, machine build, welding, and deployment – not a packaged SaaS product but a custom engineering and integration service.
- **Project Management & Support**: Dedicated project management, service, and after-deployment support to ensure long-term reliability.
- **Skilled Trades & Co-op Programs**: Internships and co-op positions (partnered with Grand Valley State University) in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed
- **Key Metric**: Headcount ~51 employees (as of 2025/2026; slight YoY decline of 1.3%). Revenue is not publicly disclosed.
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: No external investors identified. Partnered with Grand Valley State University for talent pipeline.
- **Growth Signals**: Monthly headcount growth of +1.4% (LinkedIn estimate); LinkedIn follower growth of +17.1% yearly. Active job postings (10 open positions). However, yearly headcount declined slightly (-1.3%) and job postings decreased 37.5% YoY.

## Competitive Advantages
- Extensive cross-industry experience (automotive, semiconductor, aerospace, etc.)
- Collaborative culture with deep in-house expertise in robotics integration and project management
- Strong local talent partnerships (e.g., Grand Valley State University co-op program) and a reputation for promoting from within
- Full-service offering from concept through deployment and support, reducing handoff friction for customers

## Strategic Focus
- Continued expansion of automation solutions for evolving manufacturing needs
- Emphasis on teamwork and employee development to retain expertise and drive quality
- Supporting adoption of automation to “empower people and enhance productivity” – likely investing in new technologies (e.g., advanced robotics, Industry 4.0 integration)

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Described as “powerhouse team with exceptional project execution” and a “collaborative culture”; employee reviews on LinkedIn rate culture 5.0/5.0 and career opportunities 4.4/5.0.
- **Benefits**: Comprehensive benefits package with immediate eligibility upon hire.
- **Career Development**: Strong promotion-from-within philosophy; co-op/internship pipeline to full-time roles.
- **Work Environment**: Offices in Grand Rapids, MI; no explicit remote/hybrid policy mentioned, likely on-site given the hands-on nature of automation engineering.
- **Team**: Small but tight-knit (51 employees) with experienced leadership across engineering, project management, and applications.

## Sources
1. [Axis Automation Official Website](https://www.axisco.com/)
2. [Axis Automation Careers Page](https://www.axisco.com/careers)
3. [Axis Automation LinkedIn Page](https://www.linkedin.com/company/axiscoautomation)
4. [Axis Automation About Us](https://www.axisco.com/about-us)
5. [Axis Automation Contact](https://www.axisco.com/contact)

## Other roles at Axis Automation

- [Project Manager](https://feeny.ai/job/project-manager-axis-automation-walker-michigan-073fce1wan2b) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Expert Machine Builder](https://feeny.ai/job/expert-machine-builder-axis-automation-walker-michigan-h78vbap1smqr) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Team Lead Applications Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/team-lead-applications-engineer-axis-automation-walker-michigan-0fmq2k3saeap) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Applications Engineer Level 4](https://feeny.ai/job/applications-engineer-level-4-axis-automation-walker-michigan-c4bvvydj6hef) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Machine Builder Level 1-3](https://feeny.ai/job/machine-builder-level-1-3-axis-automation-walker-michigan-9yrqfjbbcdmx) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Project Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/project-coordinator-axis-automation-walker-michigan-s8stwhm7tn3q) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Automation](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-mechanical-design-engineer-automation-axis-automation-walker-michigan-hmnjbcpj0jw4) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Applications Engineer Level 2](https://feeny.ai/job/applications-engineer-level-2-axis-automation-walker-michigan-3gy75z81mad2) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Mechanical Engineer Level 3](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-level-3-axis-automation-walker-michigan-bjgb5wn7hb7n) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [Controls Engineer Levels 2/3](https://feeny.ai/job/controls-engineer-levels-2-3-axis-automation-walker-michigan-m18j0nnpzk52) — Walker Michigan, United States