---
title: 'Senior Controls Engineer - Automation at Axis Automation'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/senior-controls-engineer-automation-axis-automation-walker-michigan-pcp0jwdq21cq'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-25'
---

# Senior Controls Engineer - Automation at Axis Automation

- **Company:** Axis Automation
- **Location:** Walker Michigan, United States
- **Posted:** 2026-09-23
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-25
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/axiscompany/jobs/8839013002

## Job description

Senior Controls Engineer - Automation

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 Controls Engineer to take ownership of complex automation projects from concept through customer startup. This is a hands-on, high-impact engineering role responsible for developing controls solutions, solving technical challenges, and helping bring custom automation systems to life. The Senior Controls Engineer serves as a technical cornerstone on projects, bringing controls expertise to complex challenges and providing technical guidance to other engineers throughout project execution.

Key Responsibilities:

- Design, program, commission and debug complex automation systems using PLCs, HMIs, robotics, simulations, motion control and safety systems.
- Own controls engineering work from concept through runoff, supporting multiple projects across design, build, debug, and customer runoff while maintaining priorities, project requirements, and budgets.
- Troubleshoot complex automation challenges and lead root-cause analysis, working across controls, wiring, program execution, robotics, and system integration to develop effective solutions.
- Collaborate across disciplines and with customers and vendors, working with Mechanical, Build, Electrical, and Project Management teams to align scope, resolve integration issues, clarify technical requirements, and support component selection.
- Serve as a technical resource to the controls team, providing guidance through code reviews, troubleshooting, knowledge sharing, and mentoring of Level 1–3 engineers and co-ops.
- Apply and improve engineering standards and practices, contributing to continuous improvement while maintaining a big-picture view of projects and attention to the technical details required for successful execution.
- Champion our Operating Principles - You will be expected to actively embody and uphold our ten Operating Principles, which guide our every action and decision at Axis Automation. These principles are key to our culture and success.

Qualifications:

- 5+ years of controls/automation experience, with multiple projects completed through the full project life cycle.
- Advanced experience with PLC programming, HMI development and industrial robot programming.
- Strong understanding of electrical and pneumatic schematics, safety systems and motion control including VFDs, servos and auxiliary robot axes.
- Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills across controls, wiring, program execution and robotics.
- Ability to execute a project independently while communicating effectively with project teams, customers, vendors and other engineers.
- Willing to travel approximately 10% - 20%.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, or related field preferred.

Why Axis:

- Comprehensive benefits package with eligibility immediately upon hire
- Opportunities for professional and technical growth
- Collaborative, team-oriented work environment
- Exposure to a wide variety of custom automation projects and industries
- Opportunity to work directly with customers and vendors
- Hands-on involvement throughout the full project lifecycle
- Opportunity to mentor and share technical knowledge with other engineers

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

- [Welding Engineer Intern](https://feeny.ai/job/welding-engineer-intern-axis-automation-walker-michigan-12c2ndsx1ymt) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [CNC Machinist / Programmer](https://feeny.ai/job/cnc-machinist-programmer-axis-automation-walker-michigan-5h4njr0hw8xd) — Walker Michigan, United States
- [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
- [Mechanical Engineer Level 3](https://feeny.ai/job/mechanical-engineer-level-3-axis-automation-walker-michigan-bjgb5wn7hb7n) — Walker Michigan, United States