Controls Engineer: PLC Automation & Onsite Support

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

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Travel premium

Per diem

Job summary

Actalent seeks a highly skilled Controls Engineer to design, develop, and support control systems for custom industrial equipment and automation projects in Traverse City, MI. The role emphasizes PLC programming (Allen-Bradley), system commissioning, and troubleshooting across on-site and remote environments throughout the project lifecycle.

Applicants should have 3+ years in controls engineering, strong PLC experience, and the ability to read electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in controls engineering or industrial automation.
• Strong PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, 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, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and modify PLC-based control systems, with a primary focus on Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Develop, configure, and maintain 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 improvements to enhance reliability.
• Read and interpret electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics to support design, diagnostics, and system modifications.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, technicians, and customers to ensure systems meet performance and safety requirements.
• Provide on-site and remote technical support throughout the project lifecycle from design to commissioning.
• Work independently in customer-facing environments, representing the organization professionally.
• Contribute mechanical aptitude to support assembly, testing, and validation of custom equipment.
• Travel to customer locations, primarily within the Midwest, to support installs, startups, troubleshooting, and project activities.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLCs

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Schematic reading

HMI development

Field service travel

Tools

Siemens PLCs

FANUC/ABB robotics

Hydraulics knowledge

Job description

Actalent seeks a highly skilled Controls Engineer to design, develop, and support control systems for custom industrial equipment and automation projects in Traverse City, MI. The role emphasizes PLC programming (Allen-Bradley), system commissioning, and troubleshooting across on-site and remote environments throughout the project lifecycle.

Applicants should have 3+ years in controls engineering, strong PLC experience, and the ability to read electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.