Controls Engineer

Actalent; Sturgis (MI); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability benefits

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer in Sturgis, MI to design, program, and commission control systems for custom automated machinery. You will develop PLC software, create HMI interfaces, and configure servo and motion systems through the full project lifecycle.

You’ll collaborate with mechanical engineers, technicians, and customers, support startup activities, and contribute to ongoing machine improvements in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of PLC programming experience.
• Experience developing and troubleshooting HMI applications.
• Servo and motion control configuration and commissioning.
• Experience with machine startup, commissioning, and debugging.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission control systems for custom automated machinery.
• Develop PLC software using ladder logic and structured text.
• Create, configure, and troubleshoot HMI applications.
• Configure, program, and commission servo and motion control systems.
• Support machine startup, commissioning, and debugging.
• Diagnose electrical issues including wiring and control panels.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, customers, and field teams.
• Provide technical support and remote assistance as needed.
• Own projects from concept through startup.

Skills

PLC programming (AB/Siemens)

HMI development

Servo & motion control

Machine startup & commissioning

Electrical troubleshooting

Customer support via phone

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

EPLAN

Job description

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and commissions control systems for custom automated machinery, taking projects from initial concept through customer startup. This role develops PLC software using ladder logic and structured text, creates HMI applications, configures servo and motion control systems, and troubleshoots machine performance issues throughout the build and startup process. The Controls Engineer collaborates closely with mechanical engineers, assembly technicians, customers, and field service teams to ensure successful machine integration and reliable operation. This position offers significant variety, hands‑on problem solving, customer interaction, and the opportunity to directly influence machine performance and innovation in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment.

Job Title: Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and commissions control systems for custom automated machinery, taking projects from initial concept through customer startup. This role develops PLC software using ladder logic and structured text, creates HMI applications, configures servo and motion control systems, and troubleshoots machine performance issues throughout the build and startup process. The Controls Engineer collaborates closely with mechanical engineers, assembly technicians, customers, and field service teams to ensure successful machine integration and reliable operation. This position offers significant variety, hands‑on problem solving, customer interaction, and the opportunity to directly influence machine performance and innovation in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission control systems for custom automated machinery.
• Develop PLC software using ladder logic and structured text to support machine automation.
• Create, configure, and troubleshoot HMI applications to provide effective operator interfaces.
• Configure, program, and commission servo and motion control systems for precise machine operation.
• Support machine startup, commissioning, and debugging, ensuring smooth transition from build to production.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical issues, including machine faults, wiring problems, and control panel defects.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and control‑related performance issues throughout the build and startup process.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers, assembly technicians, customers, and field service teams to ensure successful machine integration.
• Provide technical support and communication to customers, including remote support over the phone when needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of machine performance and innovation through hands‑on problem solving.
• Own projects from concept and design through programming, commissioning, and final machine startup.

Essential Skills

• 1+ years of experience with PLC programming, troubleshooting, editing (AB or Siemens)
• Experience developing and troubleshooting HMI applications
• Servo and motion control experience, including configuration, programming, and commissioning
• Experience with machine startup, commissioning, and debugging
• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including diagnosing machine, wiring, and control panel issues
• Strong communication skills and comfort supporting customers over the phone

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering is a plus.
• Experience working with custom machinery, material handling equipment, or special-purpose automation.
• Familiarity with EPLAN or similar electrical design software.
• Experience performing root cause analysis and implementing machine performance improvements.
• Robotics experience or exposure to robotic automation systems.
• Interest in owning projects end‑to‑end, from concept and design through programming and startup.
• Ability to work effectively in a close‑knit engineering team and collaborate across disciplines.

Work Environment

The organization employs around 200 people, offering the resources and stability of a larger company while maintaining a close, family‑oriented atmosphere. The Controls Engineering team is tight‑knit, collaborative, and enjoys a fun, supportive environment while staying focused on delivering high‑quality work. Most team members work about 45 hours per week, with a typical schedule of 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM and flexibility on start times to accommodate individual preferences. The role is highly hands‑on, giving engineers the opportunity to directly impact machine performance and see projects through from design to startup. The culture emphasizes trust, minimal micromanagement, strong benefits, and the chance to truly own projects and contribute to ongoing innovation in automated machinery.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $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&DD 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 Sturgis,MI. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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.