Controls Engineer

Actalent; Detroit (MI); Remote; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer to support a large-scale PLC deployment and cloud migration from multiple facilities. You will model PLC data, define tags and I/O relationships, and ensure correct data flows to the cloud.

The role blends software development with controls expertise in a fully remote, fast-paced setting. The candidate will work with Linux CLI and VS Code to run scripts and modify code, with responsibilities spanning site analytics, documentation, and cross-site

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Controls, Mechatronics, or related engineering discipline.
• 25 years of software development experience or equivalent in controls contexts.
• Experience in a fully remote, fast-paced environment with deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Pull and review PLC site code across facilities to support cloud migration.
• Create PLC data models defining tags, ladder logic, I/O relationships.
• Collaborate with leadership to deliver site-specific PLC data models and docs.
• Work in a Linux-based dev environment using CLI and VS Code.

Skills

PLC systems

Linux CLI

VS Code

Software development

Remote work

Education

Bachelors in Controls/Mechatronics or related engineering

Tools

VS Code

Python

PLC programming

Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

100% from anywhere within the US

The Controls Engineer will support a large-scale PLC code deployment and optimization initiative, enabling existing facilities to transition from a core network to a cloud-based infrastructure. In this role, you will help integrate new data applications with current PLC systems, ensuring that equipment OEE data is accurately modeled, routed to the cloud, and interpreted correctly within a data lake environment. You will combine your software development background with PLC and controls knowledge to bridge industrial control systems and modern software/scripting environments in a fully remote, fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Pull and review existing PLC site code from multiple facilities to support a new optimization and cloud migration project.
• Analyze PLC programs to identify the number of PLCs at each site and determine the function, inputs, and outputs of each PLC so cloud systems can accurately interpret the data.
• Create detailed PLC data models that define tags, ladder logic behavior, and input/output relationships for all PLCs associated with the equipment.
• Collaborate with project leadership to deliver site-specific PLC data models and documentation for reintegration into the broader system architecture.
• Work primarily in a Linux-based development environment using a command line interface and IDE such as VS Code to run scripts and modify code or packages.
• Interact with backend systems that interface with PLC data rather than programming PLCs directly, ensuring data flows correctly to the cloud and data lake.
• Interpret technical drawings, system schematics, and engineering documentation to understand existing control system designs and data pathways.
• Support engineering, controls, or commissioning-related projects by applying software development and controls knowledge in a manufacturing or industrial context.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues in a remote environment, using strong analytical skills to diagnose data modeling, scripting, or integration problems.
• Manage task-based project work across multiple sites, contributing to the deployment of PLC data models and scripts for dozens of facilities each month.
• Work independently with high initiative and a bias for action to ensure assigned sites are completed on schedule and to quality standards.
• Communicate progress, findings, and technical details clearly to project stakeholders, providing updates on site status and any issues encountered.

Essential Skills

• Strong software development foundation with exposure to PLC systems and industrial controls.
• Ability to understand how PLCs function and how they interact with equipment and data collection systems.
• Capability to interpret PLC tags and ladder logic to derive functional behavior and input/output relationships.
• Experience bridging controls (PLC systems) with software or scripting environments in an engineering or manufacturing context.
• Proficiency working in a command line interface within a Linux-based development environment.
• Experience using an IDE such as VS Code to run scripts and modify code or packages.
• 25 years of experience in software development, ideally within a controls or manufacturing environment, or equivalent experience supporting engineering, controls, or commissioning-related projects.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, system schematics, and engineering documentation.
• Bachelors degree in Controls, Mechatronics, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, particularly in remote support and integration scenarios.
• Comfort working independently in a fully remote, fast-paced environment with task-based deliverables.
• Demonstrated high initiative and a bias for action to drive site completion and project milestones.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with PLC programming in addition to software development in controls or manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with industrial controls, automation systems, and commissioning processes.
• Preferred experience working in Linux-based software environments.
• Preferred experience with Java or similar programming languages used for backend or data integration work.
• 12 years of programming experience or strong programming-focused internships in engineering or controls-related roles.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $40.00/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 remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 17, 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 [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.