Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls EngineerJob Description

This full-time Controls/Commissioning Engineer role offers the opportunity to design, program, and commission advanced automation and control systems within a modern, collaborative environment. You will apply 3-5 years of automation industry experience to develop and configure PLC and HMI solutions, troubleshoot complex machine control issues, and support commissioning activities both on-site and at customer locations. This position suits a motivated self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced setting, communicates clearly, and enjoys solving challenging technical problems while contributing to a high-performing engineering team.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and program PLC-based control systems using Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms for a variety of automated equipment and machinery.
• Configure, program, and integrate HMI applications to provide intuitive operator interfaces and effective system monitoring.
• Commission control systems, including start-up, testing, tuning, and validation of PLC and HMI programs at the facility and customer sites.
• Troubleshoot and resolve machine control system issues, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate closely with other Controls Engineers, designers, and supervisors to ensure control solutions meet project specifications, safety requirements, and performance targets.
• Support electrical and robotics integration activities as part of the overall automation solution, coordinating with cross-functional teams as needed.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, ensuring tasks are completed on time and to a high standard of quality.
• Communicate clearly with internal teams and external stakeholders regarding project status, technical issues, and proposed solutions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by sharing best practices, refining standards, and supporting team knowledge sharing within the programming group.
• Travel approximately 25% of the time to customer sites or other locations for commissioning, troubleshooting, and support activities.

Essential Skills

• 3-5 years of experience in the automation industry, with a focus on controls and commissioning.
• Hands-on experience programming Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLCs.
• Hands-on experience configuring and programming HMI systems.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex machine control system issues.
• Strong understanding of controls engineering principles and electrical systems related to automation.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain technical issues and solutions.
• Collaborative team player who works effectively with engineers, designers, and supervisors.
• Results-driven mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25% of the time.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred experience or background in robotics, particularly in automated systems integration.
• Exposure to electrical systems within industrial automation environments.
• Experience working in a structured controls engineering team with shared design and programming responsibilities.
• Interest in ongoing training and professional development in automation, PLCs, HMIs, and robotics.

Work Environment

You will work in a new, modern facility with a large, clean, and well-organized shop floor designed to support advanced automation projects. The environment is highly collaborative, with approximately ten other Controls Engineers on the programming team and three supervisors providing guidance and support. The design and programming team sit together, fostering close communication, knowledge sharing, and teamwork. The role includes approximately 25% travel to customer sites or other locations for commissioning and troubleshooting activities. The organization emphasizes a supportive culture where you can receive training, build your skills, and benefit from steady work hours in a professional, team-oriented setting.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $45.00/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 Walker,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.