Controls Engineer - PLC Automation, Onsite/Remote (ESOP)

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

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.