Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and supports automated machinery by developing and modifying PLC programs using ladder logic and structured text, as well as creating and maintaining HMI applications that enable efficient machine operation and troubleshooting. This role configures and commissions servo and motion control systems, tests and debugs equipment, and resolves software, electrical, and machine integration issues. The Controls Engineer also provides remote support to customers and field service teams, assists with machine startups and customer training, and occasionally travels (less than 5%) to support field service and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, and maintain PLC applications using ladder logic and structured text to control automated machinery.
• Design, develop, and maintain HMI applications that support machine operation, monitoring, and troubleshooting.
• Configure and commission servo and motion control systems to ensure precise and reliable machine performance.
• Test, debug, and validate automated equipment to confirm proper functionality and integration.
• Diagnose and resolve software, electrical, and machine integration issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Troubleshoot controls and machine problems both on-site and remotely to minimize downtime.
• Provide remote technical support to customers and field service teams for controls-related issues.
• Assist with machine startups at customer sites, ensuring proper commissioning and operation of equipment.
• Participate in customer training sessions, explaining machine controls, operation, and basic troubleshooting.
• Read, interpret, and create electrical schematics to support design, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including field service and mechanical engineering, to deliver complete machine solutions.
• Support machine building activities by ensuring controls hardware and software align with design requirements.
• Document changes to PLC and HMI programs and maintain accurate records of configuration and commissioning activities.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with customers and internal stakeholders to understand requirements and provide updates.
• Occasionally travel (less than 5% of the time) to customer sites to support field service, commissioning, and training.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience in controls engineering or a closely related role.
• Hands-on PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley (AB) or Siemens platforms.
• Proficiency in ladder logic programming for industrial automation applications.
• Experience with HMI development and programming for machine operation and diagnostics.
• Background in machine startup, commissioning, and debugging of automated equipment.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics for machinery and control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for software, electrical, and machine integration issues.
• Comfort working directly with customers, including providing technical support and training.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with customers and internal teams.
• Foundational knowledge of electrical systems and controls engineering principles.
• Experience in machine building or working closely with machine builders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering is preferred.
• Experience with machine builder environments or custom automation projects.
• Familiarity with EPLAN for electrical design and documentation.
• Experience using AutoCAD for electrical schematics and layout.
• Ability to work independently on projects from concept and design through programming, commissioning, and final machine startup.
• Strong collaboration skills and willingness to work as part of a close-knit engineering team.
• Interest in taking ownership of projects and seeing them through all phases of development.

Work Environment

The company employs around 200 people, offering the resources and stability of a larger organization while maintaining a family-oriented, close-knit culture. The Controls Engineering team works collaboratively, enjoys a friendly atmosphere, and values having fun while delivering high-quality work. Engineers typically work about 45 hours per week, with a standard schedule of approximately 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and flexibility in start times. The environment is hands-on, giving engineers the opportunity to make a direct impact and follow projects from initial design through programming, commissioning, and final machine startup. Team members benefit from a solid benefits package, minimal micromanagement, and the chance to truly own their projects in a supportive and engaging workplace

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $31.00/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 Sturgis,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 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.