Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls EngineerJob Description

As a Controls Engineer, you will be responsible for driving automation projects from concept through completion. This role involves designing and documenting electrical control systems, including schematics, panel layouts, and I/O wiring. You will also create hydraulic and pneumatic designs to support machine operation. Developing and implementing PLC and HMI programs will be key, as well as integrating components like sensors, VFDs, servo systems, vision technology, and machine safety devices. You will lead system commissioning and troubleshooting activities at manufacturing and customer locations, with periodic travel required. Additionally, you will oversee small to mid-sized projects to ensure schedules, budgets, and deliverables are met, and prepare detailed operator and maintenance documentation to support long-term customer use.

Responsibilities

• Design and document electrical control systems, including schematics, panel layouts, and I/O wiring.

• Create hydraulic and pneumatic designs for machine operation.

• Develop and implement PLC and HMI programs, integrating components like sensors, VFDs, servo systems, vision technology, and machine safety devices.

• Lead system commissioning and troubleshooting activities at manufacturing and customer locations.

• Oversee small to mid-sized projects to meet schedules, budgets, and deliverables.

• Prepare detailed operator and maintenance documentation for long-term customer use.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, including 1-2 larger projects and 1-2 smaller projects weekly.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's Degree

• 3+ years of PLC programming from scratch (Studio 5000)

• 3+ years of HMI experience (FactoryTalk)

• 3+ years of AutoCAD Electrical experience

• Ability to travel 25%

• Field service engineering experience

• Electrical engineering expertise

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Foundry experience (Nice to have)

• In-house manufacturing experience (Nice to have)

Work Environment

This role is on-site, based in a foundry environment, working closely with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced industry setting. The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, with a flexible start time centered around core hours of 08:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Controls Engineer may begin their workday earlier but not later than 08:00 AM. The position offers exposure to highly automated manufacturing equipment and extensive knowledge of engineering processes. Benefits include 10 paid holidays, 2 weeks of PTO, and access to Udemy after 6 months. The company offers a small-company feel with the financial backing of a larger entity, providing opportunities for equipment and training investments.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $40.87/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 Ledge,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 16, 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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.