Controls Engineer - Traveling

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Engineer – Traveling

Job Description

The Controls Engineer – Traveling role focuses on commissioning and troubleshooting PLC-based material handling systems in large, complex environments. You will independently develop, debug, and test PLC code, support system-level integration, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. This position requires a strong multi-disciplinary understanding of material handling systems and the ability to solve complex and abstract problems while collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Commission and troubleshoot PLC-controlled material handling systems, including conveyor systems, automated warehousing and distribution systems, baggage handling systems, and other automated systems.
• Apply customer requirements and specifications to independently write, debug, and test PLC code.
• Use engineering drawings to develop, debug, and test PLC code in alignment with established standards and libraries.
• Utilize established AOI libraries and PLC coding standards to ensure consistent, high-quality controls software.
• Follow documented ways of working and established engineering processes throughout the project lifecycle.
• Document the progress of assigned tasks clearly and accurately for project tracking and reporting.
• Write detailed design documents that describe control strategies, system behavior, and implementation details.
• Develop test plans at integrated system, area, zone, and section levels to validate system functionality.
• Monitor the internal quality of controls deliverables to achieve high first-pass yield and minimize rework.
• Perform quality checks on controls deliverables and provide thorough documentation of completion and status.
• Prepare and review daily and weekly progress reports to keep stakeholders informed of project status.
• Interface and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve technical issues and document resolutions for the project lead.
• Act as an independent contributor on complex, large-scale, and unique projects, ensuring effective execution of controls engineering tasks.
• Ensure the quality and timeliness of assigned controls project engineering deliverables, meeting project milestones and objectives.
• Provide expert-level technical support for the installation, programming, and operation of controls hardware and software.
• Troubleshoot at the system level, understanding how multiple machines and subsystems interact rather than focusing solely on individual machines.
• Apply knowledge of electrical controls hardware design, communication networks, and power distribution to support system implementation.
• Support project scheduling activities by understanding and aligning work with the overall project plan.
• Incorporate machine and system safety standards and design considerations into controls solutions.
• Prioritize work effectively, take ownership of assigned tasks, and accept responsibility for project completion.
• Collaborate with other controls engineers and cross-discipline contributors to deliver tangible project results.
• Research and implement solutions to technical problems, demonstrating a logical and methodical approach to engineering challenges.

Essential Skills

• Expert-level proficiency in ladder logic programming with Allen-Bradley PLC systems using Studio 5000.
• Expert-level understanding of the installation, programming, and technical support of controls hardware and software.
• At least 3+ years of experience commissioning or troubleshooting automated systems such as manufacturing assembly lines, conveyor systems, automated warehousing and distribution systems, or baggage handling systems.
• Experience working with PLCs in automated environments, including system-level troubleshooting.
• Strong understanding of electrical controls hardware design, including communication networks and 480 VAC, 120 VAC, and 24 VDC power distribution.
• Ability to understand and interpret electrical schematics accurately.
• Solid understanding of networking principles and computer hardware setup related to industrial control systems.
• Knowledge of computer systems and Windows-based personal computers.
• Strong understanding of machine and system safety standards and related design considerations.
• Logical mindset with strong skills in engineering science, logic, and programming.
• Proven ability to solve problems and research effective technical solutions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for documentation and stakeholder interaction.
• Ability to work both as part of a team and autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated willingness to accept responsibility for project completion and ownership of deliverables.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple tasks in a project-driven environment.
• Willingness to learn new technologies, processes, and tools.
• Proactive approach to identifying issues and driving continuous improvement.
• Comfort working in both office and factory or construction environments.
• Capability to work up to 10 hours while standing, sitting, walking, and climbing stairs.
• Ability to troubleshoot at the system level, understanding how multiple machines in a system operate together.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Expert-level proficiency in ladder logic programming with Siemens systems using TIA Portal.
• Ability to read and write structured text for advanced control logic.
• Experience or capability in programming languages such as SQL, Visual Basic, C, C++, or C# or equivalent.
• Understanding of mechanical design as it relates to material handling systems and equipment.
• Knowledge of project scheduling concepts and their application in engineering projects.
• Experience with variable frequency drives (VFDs) and their integration into automated systems.
• Demonstrated ownership culture, taking initiative and accountability for outcomes.
• Experience working on complex, large-scale automation or material handling projects is beneficial.

Work Environment

This is a traveling role focused on commissioning material handling equipment at large distribution centers across multiple sites in the United States. You will typically work on-site for approximately 10 days followed by about 4 days at home, with assignments lasting from 3 to 12 months at a given site. After completing one site, you may be reassigned to another active site, with total project duration anticipated to span approximately 9 to 18 months. The work involves a mix of office-based tasks and hands-on activities in factory and construction environments, including time spent on the floor around operating material handling equipment. You will need to be comfortable standing, sitting, walking, and climbing stairs for up to 10 hours in a day. All travel costs are covered and reimbursed, and a Meals and Incidental Expenses per diem is provided at applicable GSA rates based on the work location. Overtime, typically 10 to 20 hours per week, is often available, providing opportunities to increase earnings. The environment emphasizes safety, collaboration, and continuous learning, and offers exposure to a growing industry where advanced controls and automation skills are in high demand.

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

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $59.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Detroit,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 9, 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 [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.