Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls EngineerJob Description

This Controls Engineer role focuses on designing, programming, and commissioning advanced control systems for industry-leading aerospace automation projects. You will develop and test control system software, support installation and commissioning at customer sites, and collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering and project teams to ensure high-performing systems and successful customer buy-off. This position directly influences system performance, customer satisfaction, and overall project success, while offering strong opportunities for technical growth, leadership, and innovation in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test control systems software for aerospace automation applications.

• Program PLCs and HMIs from scratch to meet project requirements and customer specifications.

• Configure CNC systems and drives, including servo drives, to achieve precise motion and process control.

• Support system installation and commissioning at customer facilities, ensuring systems operate safely and effectively.

• Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues during commissioning and buy-off, maintaining a high level of precision and adaptability.

• Collaborate with engineering, design, manufacturing, and project management teams throughout the full project lifecycle.

• Contribute to electrical power and distribution system integration within automation solutions.

• Participate in project planning and review meetings to align control system designs with overall project goals.

• Provide on-site support during start-up, testing, and customer acceptance, including travel to domestic customer locations.

• Document control system designs, configurations, and changes to support ongoing maintenance and future upgrades.

• Maintain a strong focus on safety, quality, and customer satisfaction in all project activities.

• Manage tight timelines and competing priorities while delivering reliable, high-performance control solutions.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in controls engineering or a closely related automation role.

• Strong PLC programming experience, including Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms.

• Proven ability to program PLCs and HMIs from scratch for new systems.

• Hands-on experience with HMI development for industrial automation applications.

• CNC programming and drive configuration experience, particularly in complex automation environments.

• Practical knowledge of servo drives and motion control systems.

• Experience with electrical power and distribution systems within industrial or automation settings.

• Demonstrated success commissioning control systems in the field, rather than only plant maintenance or plant controls work.

• Ability to work effectively under tight timelines and high customer expectations during commissioning.

• Willingness and ability to travel up to approximately 30% domestically for on-site installation, commissioning, and customer support.

• Proactive, detail-oriented work style with strong problem-solving abilities.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and customers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in aerospace or defense manufacturing environments.

• Exposure to simulation tools or advanced automation platforms.

• Familiarity with full project lifecycle management, from concept through installation and buy-off.

• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, and project management.

• Interest in career growth within aerospace automation and large-scale tooling projects.

• Motivation to contribute to a culture focused on safety, precision, and collaboration.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, project-driven environment with both independent and team-based work.

Work Environment

This role is primarily on-site and involves regular travel to customer facilities, with approximately 30% domestic travel expected for installation, commissioning, and customer support. You will report to an Engineering or Integration Manager and work closely with cross-functional teams including design, manufacturing, and project management. The physical environment includes active manufacturing areas where safety glasses are mandatory and safety shoes are recommended. The team operates in a fast-paced, project-driven setting that blends independent work with close collaboration. Standard hours follow a day shift schedule, with flexibility required for occasional off-shift or weekend work to support critical project milestones and commissioning activities. The organization emphasizes safety, precision, and collaboration, and offers career growth in aerospace automation, competitive benefits including retirement savings with company match, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, and exposure to cutting-edge technology and large-scale tooling projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Utica, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $150000.00/yr.

BENEFITS Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance Life Insurance AD&D Insurance PTO 401k Match

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Utica,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 26, 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 [email protected] 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.