Controls Project Manager

Actalent; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

401k

PTO

Job summary

Actalent—a leader in engineering and sciences—is seeking a Controls Project Manager to lead controls and automation projects in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing and packaging environment. The role collaborates with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to troubleshoot equipment, implement automation improvements, and oversee installations from concept through commissioning.

Ideal candidates have a strong controls background, hands-on PLC/HMI experience, and proven project

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering or related field
• 3+ years of controls or automation engineering experience in manufacturing
• Experience programming Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLCs for packaging applications
• Hands-on HMI programming and configuration experience
• Experience with packaging equipment in manufacturing environments
• Background in regulated manufacturing environments (pharma/medical/device/food)
• Familiarity with cGMP environments and related documentation
• Strong troubleshooting of PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and related components
• Proficiency in electrical design and controls engineering practices
• Proven project management experience leading controls/automation projects in production settings
• Experience with system integration and optimization

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC and HMI systems for packaging equipment
• Lead and support new equipment installations, including startup and commissioning
• Diagnose and resolve controls issues to minimize downtime and improve OEE
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production to identify automation opportunities
• Create and update electrical schematics, panel layouts, and controls documentation
• Ensure all control systems comply with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal procedures
• Manage controls-related projects: define scope, timelines, and deliverables
• Support packaging equipment upgrades and robotics integration
• Provide technical guidance and training to operations and maintenance
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives in automation and controls

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Controls engineering

Project management

Manufacturing automation

Regulated environment

Electrical troubleshooting

Electrical design

Packaging equipment

Team collaboration

Robotics integration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

HMI tooling

Electrical schematics tools

Job description

Job Description

This role leads controls and automation projects to support and enhance automated manufacturing and packaging equipment within a fast-paced, regulated packaging environment. The Controls Project Manager works closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to troubleshoot equipment, implement automation improvements, and oversee new equipment installations from concept through commissioning. This is a hands-on position that combines technical controls engineering expertise with project management responsibilities to improve equipment reliability, performance, and compliance.

Job Title: Controls Project Manager

This role leads controls and automation projects to support and enhance automated manufacturing and packaging equipment within a fast-paced, regulated packaging environment. The Controls Project Manager works closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to troubleshoot equipment, implement automation improvements, and oversee new equipment installations from concept through commissioning. This is a hands-on position that combines technical controls engineering expertise with project management responsibilities to improve equipment reliability, performance, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC and HMI systems to ensure reliable and efficient operation of automated manufacturing and packaging equipment.
• Lead and support new equipment installations, including planning, startup, and commissioning activities for controls and automation systems.
• Diagnose and resolve controls and automation issues on production equipment to minimize downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to identify opportunities for automation improvements and implement solutions that enhance equipment reliability and performance.
• Create, review, and update electrical schematics, panel layouts, and controls documentation to ensure accuracy and maintainability.
• Ensure all control systems comply with applicable safety standards, regulatory requirements, and internal procedures, particularly within regulated manufacturing environments.
• Manage controls-related projects by defining scope, timelines, and deliverables, coordinating resources, and monitoring progress to successful completion.
• Support packaging equipment upgrades and modifications, including integration of robotics and other automation technologies where applicable.
• Provide technical guidance and training to operations and maintenance personnel on the proper use and troubleshooting of control systems.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation, electrical design, and controls engineering best practices.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience in controls and automation.
• 3+ years of controls or automation engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven controls engineering experience and background working with automated equipment.
• Demonstrated project management experience leading controls or automation projects in a production setting.
• Experience programming Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLCs for manufacturing or packaging applications.
• Hands-on experience with HMI programming and configuration for production equipment.
• Experience working with packaging equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• background in pharmaceutical, medical device, food, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with cGMP environments and related documentation and compliance expectations.
• Strong skills in troubleshooting electrical and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and related components.
• Proficiency in electrical engineering principles, electrical design, and controls engineering practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a packaging or contract manufacturing environment supporting automated lines.
• Exposure to robotics and robotic integration within automated production or packaging systems.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create detailed electrical schematics and control panel layouts.
• Strong automation background, including experience with system integration and optimization.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and convey technical information clearly.
• Organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Work Environment

The position operates in a fast-paced, regulated packaging facility that supports pharmaceutical, medical device, food, or similar cGMP-compliant production. The role is hands-on and involves regular presence on the production floor around automated manufacturing and packaging equipment, including PLC-controlled systems, HMIs, robotics, and related electrical and control systems. The Controls Project Manager works closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams, using tools and test equipment typical for electrical and controls work. The environment emphasizes safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to documented procedures, with a strong focus on equipment reliability, continuous improvement, and timely project execution.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $125000.00/yr.

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.

Health, Dental, Medical, 401k, PTO

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Grand Rapids,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 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.

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.