Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This Controls Engineer role focuses on the design, construction, integration, installation, and continuous improvement of equipment and tools used in manufacturing plants to produce high-quality parts. The position involves leading new program implementations, supporting existing production sites, and ensuring successful equipment launches that meet program timing milestones. The Controls Engineer collaborates closely with plant teams and customers, provides technical guidance to less experienced engineers, and contributes to the development and testing of advanced process technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design, construct, integrate, and install equipment and tools required in manufacturing plants for the production of high-quality parts.
• Lead the successful launch of new equipment and systems, ensuring they meet program timing milestones and performance targets.
• Manage project deliverables and schedules to align with program timing milestones and report project status to senior leadership.
• Provide clear and concise project report-outs to senior management, including progress updates, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Support existing programs and sites by troubleshooting equipment, controls, and automation issues to maintain reliable production.
• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with plant personnel and other internal customers to understand requirements and resolve issues.
• Provide technical direction, coaching, and support to less experienced controls engineers to ensure high-quality engineering solutions.
• Design, program, and troubleshoot electrical control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and related automation components.
• Participate in the development and testing of advanced process technologies to improve manufacturing efficiency and quality.
• Travel as required to support critical equipment startups, run-offs, buyoffs, and on-site troubleshooting.
• Lead or support new program implementation and execution, including Statement of Requirements preparation, forecasting, controls and robotics design, equipment build, run-off, and buyoff activities.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience in PLC programming, with a strong emphasis on Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Hands-on experience with HMI programming and configuration for industrial automation systems.
• Proven ability to design and troubleshoot electrical control systems in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience supporting controls and automation systems in production, including troubleshooting and continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage project deliverables to meet defined program timing milestones.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with plant teams, internal customers, and stakeholders.
• Capability to provide technical direction and support to less experienced controls engineers.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed to support equipment startups and critical on-site activities.
• Background in controls and automation support.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Vision system experience for automated inspection or guidance applications.
• Familiarity with GM Controls Standards or similar automotive controls standards.
• Experience with robotics design or integration in an automated manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to advanced process technology development and testing in a production setting.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing plant and engineering environment focused on automated equipment and high-quality part production. You will work closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams while designing, programming, and troubleshooting PLC and HMI-based control systems, primarily using Allen-Bradley technologies and potentially vision systems and robotics. The position requires on-site presence for equipment installation, integration, run-off, and buyoff, as well as travel to various plant locations to support critical equipment startups and provide troubleshooting support. The work environment is fast-paced and project-driven, with a strong emphasis on meeting program timing milestones, supporting continuous improvement, and adhering to established controls standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Warren, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/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 Warren,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.