Controls Engineer

Actalent; Battle Creek (MI); On-site; USD 5,924,000 - 6,612,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Job summary

Actalent in Battle Creek, MI is seeking a Controls Engineer to lead cradle-to-grave automation projects. You will design electrical systems, create PLC logic from scratch, and integrate robotics and vision systems.

This onsite, contract-to-hire role focuses on the full lifecycle from concept to commissioning, with minimal travel and a strong emphasis on scalable automation in a manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in controls engineering.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering (Electrical, Computer Science, etc.).
• Experience with FANUC or Yaskawa robotics.
• Electrical design experience.

Responsibilities

• Own the full project lifecycle from design to final runoffs and project completion.
• Perform electrical design, including panel design and schematics.
• Program PLCs from scratch, including development, troubleshooting, and editing of control logic.
• Troubleshoot and debug equipment to resolve control, electrical, and automation issues.
• Integrate and support robotics systems, including FANUC robots, and support vision systems.

Skills

PLC Programming (Allen-Bradley)

Robotics Programming (FANUC or Yaskawa

Electrical design

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer Science, etc.)

Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role is focused on controls engineering projects, including designing, concepting, and quoting new automated equipment for the facility. The engineer is responsible for the entire project lifecycle, from initial design and development through commissioning, debugging, final runoffs, and project completion.

• Minimal - NO Travel
• Primarily working on project based work, office programming work
• Cradle to grave controls engineering projects

Responsibilities

• Own the full project lifecycle, from initial design and development through commissioning, debugging, final runoffs, and project completion.
• Perform electrical design, including panel design, electrical schematics, and overall controls architecture.
• Program PLCs from scratch, including development, troubleshooting, and editing of control logic.
• Troubleshoot and debug equipment to resolve control, electrical, and automation issues efficiently.
• Integrate and support robotics systems, including programming and commissioning FANUC robots.
• Implement and support vision systems and cameras, sensors, and other automation technologies.
• Provide technical support for installed equipment and assist with continuous improvement of automation solutions.

Essential Skills

• Proficient in PLC Programming from scratch, troubleshooting, and editing (Allen-Bradley)
• 5+ years of experience (would consider 3 years if strong candidate in all other qualifications)
• Bachelors Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer Sci, etc.)
• Robotics Programming (FANUC or Yaskawa)
• Electrical design experience

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Automotive industry experience, ideally in manufacturing environment
• Experience with AI-based vision systems or advanced machine vision technologies.

Work Environment

The role is primarily onsite in a modern manufacturing environment, with a typical schedule of 4045 hours per week and occasional weekend work to support project timelines. Hours flexible between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM. While the position is mainly on-site, work-from-home flexibility may be available on a case-by-case basis when project work allows.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Battle Creek, MI.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $48.07/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 Battle Creek,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 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 Clearly Rated 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 [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.