Controls Engineer

Actalent; Michigan; On-site; USD 62,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental & Vision

Critical Illness

Accident

401(k) Retirement Plan

Pre-tax & Roth

Life Insurance

Disability

HSA

Transportation Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

PTO/Vacation/Sick Leave

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer in Allegan, MI to design, develop, and implement PLC-based control systems for custom material handling equipment. You will work closely with mechanical and project teams, supporting up to 15 projects with on-site commissioning.

Key qualifications include 3+ years in controls engineering, PLC programming (Allen Bradley/Siemens), and electrical schematic design using SolidWorks or AutoCAD.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a controls engineering position.
• PLC programming/troubleshooting (Allen Bradley or Siemens).
• Electrical schematic design (SolidWorks or AutoCAD).

Responsibilities

• Design and program PLC-based control systems for custom material handling equipment.
• Develop, configure, and implement HMI systems to provide intuitive operator interfaces.
• Serve as a liaison between mechanical and project engineering teams, ensuring alignment of controls design with mechanical and project requirements.
• Work on up to 15 projects at various stages of the process.
• Adapt existing control system designs and templates to meet specific customer specifications and unique machine requirements.
• Participate in the testing, commissioning, and start-up of control systems, including on-site support as needed.
• Create, review, and maintain accurate electrical schematics and control system documentation using tools such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance system performance, standardization, and maintainability.
• Assist in the design and integration of robotics, hydraulics, and custom machine features where applicable.

Skills

Controls engineering

PLC programming

Electrical schematic design

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Title

Controls Engineer

Job Description

This Controls Engineer role offers the opportunity to design, develop, and implement control systems for custom material handling equipment in a technically challenging and highly varied environment.

• Cradle to grave involvement in projects
• No travel
• Strong potential for growth within a close knit team environment

Responsibilities

• Design and program PLC-based control systems for custom material handling equipment
• Develop, configure, and implement HMI systems to provide intuitive operator interfaces.
• Serve as a liaison between mechanical and project engineering teams, ensuring alignment of controls design with mechanical and project requirements.
• Work on up to 15 projects at various stages of the process
• Adapt existing control system designs and templates to meet specific customer specifications and unique machine requirements.
• Participate in the testing, commissioning, and start-up of control systems, including on-site support as needed.
• Create, review, and maintain accurate electrical schematics and control system documentation using tools such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance system performance, standardization, and maintainability.
• Assist in the design and integration of robotics, hydraulics, and custom machine features where applicable.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience in a controls engineering position
• PLC programming/troubleshooting (Allen Bradley or Siemens)
• Electrical schematic design (SolidWorks or AutoCAD)

Work Environment

Flexibility with schedules, with typical start times between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM and an average workload of approximately 40 to 45 hours per week.

As one of a small number of Controls Engineers, you will have a broad range of responsibilities and significant exposure to many aspects of the business, which is ideal for someone who enjoys variety and wearing multiple hats.

The culture values collaboration, open communication, and long-term growth, making it an attractive environment for professionals who appreciate both technical challenge and work-life balance.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $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
• 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 Allegan,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.