Controls Engineer

Actalent; Lake Orion (MI); On-site; USD 69,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability benefits

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer to design pneumatic, electrical, and hydraulic diagrams, develop control panels and PLC/HMI software, and support installation and commissioning across multiple plant sites.

The role requires strong experience with PLCs, servo drives, and AutoCAD, plus willingness to travel for start-up and training activities.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with PLCs, servo drives, and wiring diagrams.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley and automation platforms.
• PLC and HMI programming experience and supervision ability.

Responsibilities

• Engineer pneumatic, electrical, and hydraulic diagrams for control systems.
• Design control panels and write PLC/HMI software.
• Provide on-site startup support and diagnostics.
• Travel to plant sites to support installation and training.
• Lead controls tasks and coordinate junior engineers when needed.

Skills

PLC programming

Servo drive control

AutoCAD

Electrical standards

Safety standards

Supervision

Allen-Bradley

PLC & HMI programming

Conveyors & PFS systems

Automation discipline

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

HMI software

Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer initiates and develops control system designs based on written sequences of operation. This role focuses on designing complex pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical piping and wiring diagrams, developing control panels and software, and providing technical support throughout the lifecycle of automation and control systems projects. The position plays a key role in ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient operation of automated equipment and production systems.

Responsibilities

• Engineer and design pneumatic piping diagrams for automated and industrial systems.
• Engineer and design electrical wiring diagrams that support control systems and related equipment.
• Engineer and design hydraulic piping diagrams for machinery and automation applications.
• Design electrical control panels that meet project requirements and applicable standards.
• Develop programmable logic controller (PLC) software to control conveyors, PFS systems, and other automated equipment.
• Design and program human machine interface (HMI) software to provide intuitive operator controls and system visualization.
• Conduct tryout, debugging, and start-up support for new or modified control systems to ensure proper operation.
• Provide technical support during installation of tools, equipment, and control systems at plant sites.
• Provide technical support and guidance for training plant personnel on the operation and maintenance of control systems.
• Travel to plant sites as required to support installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and training activities.
• Supervise and coordinate activities related to controls engineering tasks when needed, ensuring project objectives are met.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in the application of programmable machine controls hardware and software, including PLCs.
• Proficiency in the application of servo drive hardware and software for motion control.
• Strong AutoCAD skills for developing accurate piping and wiring diagrams and control panel layouts.
• Familiarity with basic electrical standards relevant to industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with basic safety standards applicable to automation and control systems.
• Ability to supervise and provide direction to others involved in controls engineering work.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley and other automation platforms related to controls engineering.
• Programming experience in controls engineering environments, including PLC and HMI programming.
• 2 years of experience as a controls engineer overseeing conveyors and PFS systems.
• 2 plus years of experience in controls engineering or a closely related automation discipline.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a technical field such as engineering, automation, or a related discipline.
• COBOT controls experience, including programming and integrating collaborative robots into automated systems.
• Experience working with HMI design and implementation for industrial applications.
• Experience in automation projects involving tools, equipment installation, and plant support.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with plant personnel, installation teams, and other engineering disciplines.

Work Environment

This role operates in a mix of office and plant environments. Office-based work typically involves using AutoCAD, PLC and HMI development tools, and other engineering software to design diagrams, control panels, and automation programs. Plant-based work includes time spent on the production floor and around industrial equipment to support installation, commissioning, tryout, and troubleshooting of control systems. The position may require travel to various plant sites to provide on-site technical support and training. Work hours generally follow standard engineering and project schedules, with flexibility needed during system start-ups and critical project phases. Safety standards and procedures are emphasized, and appropriate industrial attire and personal protective equipment are required when working in plant or production areas.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Lake Orion, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/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 onsite position in Lake Orion,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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.