Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls EngineerJob Description

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and commissions custom automation machinery from initial concept through full integration at customer sites. This role works closely with a team of Controls Engineers and collaborates with electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines to deliver complete, reliable systems. The position includes moderate travel to customer locations, primarily regional trips with occasional international assignments, and involves direct customer interaction during installation, testing, and support.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and commission automated machines based on customer specifications from initial concept through final integration.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, primarily using Allen-Bradley platforms, with additional work on Siemens, GE, and Omron systems as needed.
• Develop, modify, and optimize control logic from scratch to ensure reliable and efficient machine operation.
• Program and integrate industrial robots, focusing on Fanuc systems, while also supporting Nachi, ABB, and Motoman robots.
• Implement and verify machine and robotic safety features to meet applicable standards and customer requirements.
• Create and update hardware designs using AutoCAD Electrical, including control panels and field device layouts.
• Read, interpret, and produce electrical schematics, ensuring accurate documentation for hydraulic and pneumatic control systems.
• Design and specify hydraulic and pneumatic systems and integrate them with electrical controls to achieve required machine functions.
• Collaborate closely with electrical and mechanical engineers to align controls design with overall machine design and performance goals.
• Participate in on-site installation, startup, testing, and debugging of machines at customer facilities.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for controls and automation issues during and after machine commissioning.
• Interact directly with customers during on-site visits to gather requirements, explain solutions, and ensure satisfaction with delivered systems.
• Contribute to training and knowledge sharing within a team of full-time Controls Engineers and contractors.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, including programs, schematics, and configuration details for future reference and support.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience programming control systems from scratch.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting, primarily with Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Experience working with Siemens, GE, and Omron PLCs.
• Hands-on experience with industrial robotics programming, especially Fanuc robots.
• Exposure to additional robotic platforms such as Nachi, ABB, and Motoman.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical for hardware design and control panel layout.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics.
• Knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic system design and integration with controls.
• Background in controls, automation, or electrical engineering disciplines.
• Ability to implement and verify safety features in automated and robotic systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for complex automation and control issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Willingness and ability to travel to customer sites as required for project work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on custom machine design projects from concept through commissioning.
• Familiarity with a variety of automation and robotics platforms beyond primary systems.
• Comfort interacting directly with customers during on-site visits, installations, and support activities.
• Experience collaborating with contractors and internal teams to share knowledge and support training.
• Strong documentation practices for programs, schematics, and system configurations.

Work Environment

The role is based in a newer, very clean facility that supports a team of seven full-time Controls Engineers and a group of contractors who collaborate closely on projects and training. Work involves a mix of in-office design and programming tasks and on-site visits to customer locations. Travel is typically in the range of 1015% and is mostly regional, with common trips of one to three days and occasional longer assignments of up to two weeks; most travel is within driving distance, with engineers often returning home by evening. International travel occurs on a limited basis. Each engineer receives an individual hotel room during trips, and standard per diem allowances apply for domestic and international travel. The environment is professional, focused on automation and controls engineering, and offers opportunities to work with modern tools and technologies in a clean, well-maintained building.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 19, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Grand Rapids,MI.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.