Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Engineer
Job Description

The Controls Engineer drives automation projects from concept through completion, designing and documenting electrical control systems and developing PLC and HMI programs to support advanced manufacturing equipment. You will integrate sensors, VFDs, servo systems, vision technology, and safety devices, as well as create hydraulic and pneumatic designs that ensure reliable machine operation. This role includes leading system commissioning and troubleshooting at manufacturing and customer sites, overseeing small to mid-sized projects to meet schedules and budgets, and preparing detailed operator and maintenance documentation. You will balance 1–2 larger projects and 1–2 smaller projects at any given time, working in a fast-paced environment that offers exposure to highly automated equipment and robust engineering processes.

Responsibilities

• Design and document electrical control systems, including schematics, panel layouts, and I/O wiring for automated equipment.
• Develop hydraulic and pneumatic designs that support machine operation and overall system performance.
• Program PLCs from scratch, with a primary focus on Studio 5000, to control automated machinery and processes.
• Develop and configure HMI applications using FactoryTalk to provide intuitive operator interfaces and system monitoring.
• Integrate sensors, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo systems, vision systems, and machine safety devices into control solutions.
• Lead system commissioning activities at manufacturing and customer locations, ensuring proper installation, configuration, and performance.
• Troubleshoot control systems, electrical issues, and automation equipment both on-site and in the field.
• Oversee small to mid-sized automation projects, managing schedules, budgets, and deliverables to successful completion.
• Prepare detailed operator manuals and maintenance documentation to support long-term customer use and serviceability.
• Support installation, repair, and optimization of electrical control systems in a foundry and manufacturing environment.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in manufacturing and engineering to implement and refine automation solutions.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously at different stages, maintaining clear priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Travel up to approximately 25% of the time to customer and field locations, including international travel as required.

• At least 3 years of experience programming PLCs from scratch, preferably using Studio 5000.
• At least 3 years of experience developing HMI applications, preferably with FactoryTalk.
• At least 3 years of experience using AutoCAD Electrical for electrical design and documentation.
• Hands-on controls engineering experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems, PLC control, and industrial automation equipment.
• Experience with installation, commissioning, and repair of control systems and related hardware.
• Ability to travel up to approximately 25%, including the ability to travel to Canada.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects at different stages while maintaining quality and timelines.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical, control, and automation systems.
• Effective communication and documentation skills for creating operator and maintenance manuals.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field is preferred.
• Experience working in a foundry environment is a strong plus.
• In-house manufacturing experience and exposure to highly automated production equipment are advantageous.
• Field service engineering experience supporting customer sites is beneficial.
• Familiarity with vision technology, servo systems, sensors, VFDs, and machine safety devices is an asset.
• Interest in continuous learning and professional development, including leveraging training resources such as online learning platforms.

This is an on-site role based in a foundry environment, working closely with manufacturing and engineering teams in a fast-paced industrial setting. You will work with highly automated manufacturing equipment and modern engineering tools, gaining broad exposure to advanced automation technologies. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday with a flexible start time anchored around core hours of approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; you may begin earlier than 8:00 a.m., but not later than 8:00 a.m. The position offers salary pay plus straight-time pay for all hours worked over 45 in a week. The organization combines a small-company feel with a supportive, close-knit culture and the financial backing to invest in equipment and training, so you are not treated as just a number. Team members receive 10 paid holidays and 2 weeks of PTO, and after 6 months you gain access to Udemy for additional training and skills development.

Job Type & Location

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

The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $55.29/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Grand Ledge,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 23, 2026.

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.