Controls Engineer

Actalent; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP participation

Travel premium for employees

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer for the Traverse City, MI area to design, program, and support PLC-based control systems for custom automation projects. The role emphasizes Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, field commissioning, and hands-on troubleshooting across shop and customer sites.

The position requires a hands-on mindset, strong controls knowledge, and the ability to work independently while traveling about 30% to Midwest customer locations.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in controls engineering or industrial automation.
• Strong PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Troubleshooting expertise in industrial environments with automated equipment.
• Ability to read electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.
• Hands-on, self-sufficient in shop and field environments.
• Willingness to travel ~30% to customer sites.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and modify PLC-based control systems focusing on Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Develop, configure, and maintain HMIs and electrical controls for custom equipment.
• Support installation, commissioning, and startup activities at customer sites.
• Troubleshoot control system issues in real time and implement improvements.
• Read and interpret electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, technicians, and customers to meet performance and safety requirements.
• Provide on-site and remote technical support throughout the project lifecycle.
• Communicate technical information clearly in customer-facing contexts.
• Contribute to assembly, testing, and validation of equipment when needed.
• Travel to customer locations, primarily within the Midwest, for installs and startups.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Customer-facing communication

Reading electrical schematics

Independence in field/shop

Travel readiness

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI programming

Siemens PLCs

Hydraulics knowledge

Job description

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, develops, and supports control systems for custom industrial equipment and automation projects. This role focuses heavily on PLC programming, system commissioning, and troubleshooting, while working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, high-performing automation solutions. The position requires a hands-on mindset, strong technical capability in industrial controls, and the ability to support customers both on-site and remotely throughout the project lifecycle.

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, develops, and supports control systems for custom industrial equipment and automation projects. This role focuses heavily on PLC programming, system commissioning, and troubleshooting, while working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable, high-performing automation solutions. The position requires a hands-on mindset, strong technical capability in industrial controls, and the ability to support customers both on-site and remotely throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and modify PLC-based control systems, with a primary focus on Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Develop, configure, and maintain human-machine interfaces (HMIs), electrical controls, and automation systems for custom industrial equipment.
• Support installation, commissioning, and startup activities at customer sites, including hands-on work with equipment and systems.
• Troubleshoot control system issues in real time, identify root causes, and implement effective improvements to enhance reliability and performance.
• Read and interpret electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics to support design, diagnostics, and system modifications.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers, technicians, and customers to ensure systems meet performance, safety, and functional requirements.
• Provide both on-site and remote technical support throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial design through commissioning and ongoing service.
• Work independently in customer-facing environments, representing the organization professionally and communicating technical information clearly.
• Contribute mechanical aptitude and a hands-on approach to support assembly, testing, and validation of custom equipment when needed.
• Travel to customer locations, primarily within the Midwest, to support installs, startups, troubleshooting, and project-related activities.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience in controls engineering or industrial automation.
• Strong PLC programming experience, with Allen-Bradley PLCs required, including both programming from scratch and modifying existing code.
• Proven troubleshooting and problem-solving ability in industrial environments, particularly with automated equipment and control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, as well as pneumatic and hydraulic diagrams.
• Mechanical aptitude and a hands-on mindset for working directly with equipment and machinery.
• Comfortable working independently and being self-sufficient in both shop and field environments.
• Ability to work in customer-facing situations and communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel for project support, including multi-day site visits, at approximately 30% travel.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with industrial robotics, particularly FANUC or ABB robots.
• Exposure to Siemens PLCs and related automation platforms.
• Familiarity with hydraulics and their application in industrial machinery.
• Experience with machining or metal removal processes and projects in heavy industrial environments.
• Experience in assembly, testing, or commissioning of custom equipment and automated systems.
• Prior experience supporting installs, startups, and customer sites in a hands-on technical role.
• Interest in employee ownership structures such as ESOP plans, where available.
• Ability to manage travel schedules and maintain productivity during extended site assignments.

Work Environment

The role operates in a dynamic industrial automation environment, with a mix of office, shop floor, and customer site settings. The position is hands-on, frequently involving time on the plant floor and around machinery during installation, startup, and troubleshooting activities. Travel is approximately 30%, typically structured as about 12 days on site followed by a short break, and then repeated as project needs require. Travel is primarily within the Midwest (including states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois), with occasional trips to other regions. Extended site visits of up to roughly two weeks at a time may be required, and all travel expenses are covered with a daily per diem provided. The work involves regular interaction with mechanical and electrical equipment, PLCs, HMIs, robotics, hydraulics, pneumatics, and related industrial technologies. The environment values a self-sufficient, customer-focused approach and offers benefits such as participation in an ESOP and a travel premium for direct employees. Attire is typically appropriate for industrial and customer site settings, with a focus on safety and practicality.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

• The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $45.00/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Traverse City,MI.

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.