Controls Engineer

Job Title: Senior Controls Engineer (Contract)Job Description

This open-ended contract role offers an opportunity for an experienced Senior Controls Engineer to lead the design, programming, and integration of custom automated machinery and manufacturing equipment. You will support a growing portfolio of automation and machine integration projects, taking systems from initial concept through installation, commissioning, and customer acceptance. The position involves hands-on PLC, HMI, and robotics programming, extensive collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams, and project-dependent travel to customer facilities for Factory Acceptance Tests, Site Acceptance Tests, and on-site support.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems for custom automated machinery and manufacturing equipment, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.
• Program Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMI systems from scratch for new machine builds and system upgrades using Rockwell Studio 5000 (Version 36).
• Create and modify electrical schematics and detailed control system documentation using tools such as AutoCAD Electrical.
• Support machine integration and system integration projects from initial design through startup and customer acceptance, focusing on quality and reliability.
• Perform offline programming, debugging, and system testing to validate control logic, safety functions, and field I/O before deployment.
• Lead and participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), including preparation, execution, and documentation of test results.
• Travel to customer facilities as needed to support installation, startup, troubleshooting, and commissioning of automated systems.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, robotics, and project engineering teams to ensure successful project execution and on-time delivery.
• Troubleshoot complex automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, robots, VFDs, and field I/O, and implement effective corrective actions in the field.
• Configure and support Allen-Bradley safety systems, field I/O, and VFDs as part of integrated control solutions.
• Integrate and support Fanuc robots, including programming and configuration of the 30iB Plus controller for material handling applications.
• Provide technical support throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring adherence to safety standards, project specifications, and customer requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of control standards, documentation practices, and commissioning processes across multiple projects.
• When possible, serve as a combined PLC/HMI/robot resource to streamline project execution and reduce handoffs between disciplines.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience designing and developing control systems for custom automated machinery and manufacturing equipment.
• Strong proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC programming from scratch for new machine builds and system upgrades.
• Hands-on experience programming and configuring HMI systems in conjunction with Allen-Bradley PLCs.
• Practical experience with machine integration and system integration projects, including multi-discipline coordination.
• Proven experience supporting Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), installation, and commissioning activities.
• Experience with Rockwell Studio 5000, specifically Version 36, for Allen-Bradley PLC development and deployment.
• Working knowledge of Allen-Bradley safety systems, including configuration and troubleshooting of safety functions.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley field I/O and VFDs, including setup, integration, and diagnostics.
• Fanuc robot integration experience, including programming and commissioning of Fanuc robots.
• Experience with Fanuc 30iB Plus robot controllers, particularly in material handling applications.
• Ability to perform offline programming, debugging, and system testing prior to on-site deployment.
• Proficiency in creating and modifying electrical schematics and control system documentation, including use of AutoCAD Electrical.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex automation systems in a production or commissioning environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel for project-dependent FAT, SAT, installation, and commissioning activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience serving in a combined PLC, HMI, and robot engineering role, providing end-to-end automation support on projects.
• Background in automation, robotics, and electrical engineering disciplines within industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with material handling automation, including coordinated control between robots, conveyors, and other equipment.
• Strong collaboration skills with mechanical, electrical, robotics, and project engineering teams.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for documentation, test reporting, and customer interactions.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities across a strong project pipeline in a contract environment.
• Comfort working on open-ended contract engagements with potential to support additional customers and programs as business needs expand.

Work Environment

This role is based in Walker, MI and is structured as an open-ended contract supporting a robust pipeline of automation and machine integration projects. Work will be split between an engineering or shop environment for design, offline programming, and testing, and customer facilities for FAT, SAT, installation, and commissioning. You will work with Allen-Bradley PLCs, Rockwell Studio 5000 (Version 36), Allen-Bradley safety systems, field I/O, and VFDs, as well as Fanuc robots with 30iB Plus controllers for material handling applications. The environment is highly collaborative, involving close interaction with mechanical, electrical, robotics, and project engineers. Project-dependent travel is required to support on-site activities at customer locations, where you will participate in formal acceptance testing, startup, and troubleshooting of automated systems. The work focuses on delivering high-quality, safe, and reliable automation solutions while maintaining strong customer satisfaction.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.

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.