Controls Engineer

Actalent; Wixom (MI); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Wixom, MI seeks an intermediate Controls Engineer to design, develop, and program Allen-Bradley PLCs from scratch within a collaborative electrical engineering team. This contract role emphasizes PLC programming and troubleshooting with no travel and potential extension based on performance.

You will configure HMIs, integrate with SCADA, test and commission control programs, and document changes for clear technical records.

Qualifications

• 45 years of hands-on experience programming Allen-Bradley PLCs from scratch.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, including development, modification, and troubleshooting of control logic.
• Experience working with HMIs in conjunction with PLC-based control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for diagnosing and resolving issues in automated control systems.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams including other PLC programmers, hardware designers, and SCADA specialists.
• Solid understanding of industrial control systems, automation concepts, and control architectures.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and program Allen-Bradley PLCs from scratch for new and existing control systems.
• Create, modify, and optimize PLC logic to support reliable and efficient operation of automated equipment and processes.
• Configure and integrate PLC programs with human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to provide intuitive and effective operator control and monitoring.
• Perform detailed troubleshooting of PLC-controlled systems, identifying root causes of issues and implementing robust corrective actions.
• Collaborate closely with other PLC programmers, hardware designers, and a SCADA specialist to ensure cohesive system design and seamless integration.
• Test, validate, and commission control programs to confirm proper functionality and adherence to project requirements.
• Document control logic, configurations, and changes to maintain clear and accurate technical records.
• Support ongoing improvements to control systems by reviewing performance data and implementing enhancements to reliability, safety, and usability.
• Assist with ensuring that control system designs align with applicable standards and best practices, including electrical and safety guidelines.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLCs

PLC programming

HMIs

SCADA

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Industrial control

Tools

SCADA software

HMI configuration tools

Job description

Job Title: Controls EngineerJob Description

This role offers an intermediate-level controls engineer the opportunity to design, develop, and program Allen-Bradley PLCs from scratch while contributing to a collaborative electrical engineering team. You will focus primarily on PLC programming and troubleshooting, with the potential for contract extension or conversion to a longer-term role based on performance and project needs, all within a stable, no-travel position.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and program Allen-Bradley PLCs from scratch for new and existing control systems.
• Create, modify, and optimize PLC logic to support reliable and efficient operation of automated equipment and processes.
• Configure and integrate PLC programs with human-machine interfaces (HMIs) to provide intuitive and effective operator control and monitoring.
• Perform detailed troubleshooting of PLC-controlled systems, identifying root causes of issues and implementing robust corrective actions.
• Collaborate closely with other PLC programmers, hardware designers, and a SCADA specialist to ensure cohesive system design and seamless integration.
• Test, validate, and commission control programs to confirm proper functionality and adherence to project requirements.
• Document control logic, configurations, and changes to maintain clear and accurate technical records.
• Support ongoing improvements to control systems by reviewing performance data and implementing enhancements to reliability, safety, and usability.
• Assist with ensuring that control system designs align with applicable standards and best practices, including electrical and safety guidelines.

Essential Skills

• 45 years of hands‑on experience programming Allen-Bradley PLCs from scratch.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, including development, modification, and troubleshooting of control logic.
• Experience working with human-machine interfaces (HMIs) in conjunction with PLC-based control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for diagnosing and resolving issues in automated control systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams, including other PLC programmers, hardware designers, and SCADA specialists.
• Solid understanding of industrial control systems, automation concepts, and control architectures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and its application to control systems design.
• Additional experience configuring and optimizing HMIs beyond basic operation is a plus.
• Experience working on project‑based assignments with defined timelines and deliverables.
• Strong documentation skills for recording control logic, configurations, and system changes.
• Ability to adapt to evolving project requirements and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

You will work in a modern, new or recently updated office building as part of a dedicated electrical engineering team that includes two other PLC programmers, three hardware designers, and one SCADA specialist. The role involves approximately 60% PLC programming and 40% troubleshooting, providing a balanced mix of development and hands‑on problem solving. This is a no-travel position structured as a 4‑month contract, with the possibility for extension based on project completion and overall fit. The environment emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and the opportunity to grow within a supportive team of automation professionals.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/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 Wixom, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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.