Advanced Controls Engineer

Actalent; United States; On-site; USD 59,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Disability insurance

Life Insurance

Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Advanced Controls Engineer in Warren, MI, to develop and validate factory automation controls in a laboratory setting before deployment to plants worldwide.

You will design PLC software, motion control, robotics, and safety architectures, collaborating with plant-based teams to ensure production readiness and measurable improvements in reliability and uptime.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Experience programming PLC-based manufacturing automation systems.
• Knowledge of Beckhoff TwinCAT controls platforms preferred.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, test, and validate PLC applications using Beckhoff TwinCAT (training provided if needed).
• Develop control architectures for automated equipment including motion systems, robotics, and safety functions.
• Build and validate automation solutions in a lab before plant deployment.
• Support facilities during equipment launches, commissioning, and ramp-up.
• Diagnose software and hardware issues through structured troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Develop and maintain reusable controls standards and templates.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to deliver robust automation solutions.
• Analyze system performance and drive improvements for reliability and uptime.
• Provide technical support to production facilities.

Skills

PLC programming

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional teamwork

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Job description

Advanced Controls Engineer

Location: Warren, MI

Position Summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer to support the development, validation, and deployment of advanced manufacturing automation systems used across production facilities. This role is based within the Engineering Center and focuses on creating and testing manufacturing controls solutions before they are deployed to assembly and component plants. As a member of the manufacturing engineering team, you will develop PLC software, motion control systems, robotic integrations, and safety architectures in a laboratory environment while collaborating with plant-based engineering teams to ensure production readiness and operational success.

This position offers the opportunity to work on next-generation manufacturing technologies, establish controls standards, and provide technical expertise that impacts multiple facilities worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, test, and validate PLC applications utilizing the Beckhoff TwinCAT platform (Will train if needed).
• Develop controls architectures for automated manufacturing equipment, including motion systems, robotics, and machine safety functions.
• Build and validate manufacturing automation solutions in a laboratory environment prior to plant deployment.
• Support manufacturing facilities during equipment launches, commissioning, and production ramp-up activities.
• Diagnose software and hardware issues through structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Develop and maintain reusable controls standards, programming templates, and best practices for manufacturing applications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, robotics, controls, and equipment engineering teams to deliver robust automation solutions.
• Analyze system performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve reliability, uptime, and maintainability.
• Provide technical support to production facilities and assist in resolving complex controls-related issues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience programming PLC-based manufacturing automation systems.
• Knowledge of Beckhoff TwinCAT controls platforms highly preferred.
• Python
• Understanding of industrial automation principles, machine controls, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience troubleshooting automation equipment and control systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with servo motion control systems.
• Robotic integration and commissioning experience.
• Knowledge of industrial safety systems and safety PLC programming.
• Familiarity with GM manufacturing controls standards and GCCS.
• Experience supporting manufacturing launches or commissioning activities.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols and networked automation systems.

Work Environment

This role is primarily based within the Engineering Center and controls development laboratories rather than within a production plant.

Engineers work on the design, validation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing automation systems that support multiple facilities.

The position combines hands-on laboratory testing, software development, technical problem-solving, and collaboration with manufacturing operations teams. Periodic travel to production facilities may be required to support equipment launches, commissioning efforts, and system troubleshooting.

Why Join This Team?

• Develop advanced manufacturing automation technologies.
• Work with robotics, motion control, and next-generation PLC platforms.
• Influence manufacturing systems deployed across multiple GM facilities.
• Gain exposure to manufacturing strategy, controls architecture, and production technology development.
• Collaborate with engineering teams responsible for the future of automotive manufacturing.

This position is ideal for engineers who enjoy designing and developing automation systems, solving complex technical challenges, and supporting large-scale manufacturing operations from a central engineering environment.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $44.00/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 Aug 21, 2026.

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 [e-mail] 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.