Controls Systems Engineer

Actalent; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 54,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem benefits

Practical training

Leadership pathways

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Systems Engineer for a contract-to-hire position in Detroit, MI. This role involves traveling 3–6 months per location, onsite work with internal and client teams, and delivering state-of-the-art control systems for process manufacturing environments.

You will focus on automation commissioning, validation, PLC configuration, and on-site testing and qualification, with opportunities for leadership development and hands-on training.

Qualifications

• Experience in control systems engineering with PLC configuration and implementation.
• Strong programming skills related to automation and control systems.
• Proficiency troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.
• Ability to work with HMI in building and process automation environments.
• Hands-on experience in building automation or process manufacturing controls.

Responsibilities

• Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols at client sites.
• Troubleshoot commissioning/validation non-conformances to ensure systems operate as designed.
• Collaborate with internal engineers and client teams to design/ deliver advanced control systems.
• Define, configure, and implement PLC solutions for process manufacturing applications.
• Perform testing, on-site commissioning, and qualification to verify functionality and compliance with project requirements.
• Support building automation initiatives by integrating controls, mechanical, electrical, and HMI components.
• Document commissioning activities, validation results, and remediation actions.
• Travel to different project locations and adapt to new facilities, processes, and teams.
• Participate in hands-on training and knowledge sharing to support growth and leadership development.

Skills

PLC configuration

Automation programming

Troubleshooting

HMI interfaces

Travel flexibility

Teamwork & communication

Education

Engineering degree (mechanical, systems, automation, or electrical)

Tools

PLC programming software

HMI development tools

Job description

Job Title: Controls Systems EngineerJob Description

This full-time Controls Systems Engineer role is a traveling, project-to-project position where you typically spend 3–6 months at each location. You work onsite with internal engineering teams and clients to deliver state‑of‑the‑art control systems that enhance efficiency, product quality, and profitability in process manufacturing environments. The role focuses on automation commissioning, validation, PLC configuration, and on‑site testing and qualification of control systems.

Responsibilities

• Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols for control systems at client sites.
• Troubleshoot and remediate commissioning and validation non‑conformances to ensure systems operate as designed.
• Collaborate closely with internal engineers and client teams to design and deliver advanced control systems that improve efficiency, product quality, and overall profitability.
• Define, configure, and implement programmable logic controller (PLC) solutions for a variety of process manufacturing applications.
• Perform testing, on‑site commissioning, and qualification of control systems to verify functionality and compliance with project requirements.
• Support building automation initiatives by integrating controls, mechanical, electrical, and HMI components into cohesive systems.
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to mechanical, electrical, and control systems in a timely and professional manner.
• Document commissioning activities, validation results, and remediation actions in accordance with project standards.
• Travel to different project locations and adapt to new facilities, processes, and teams on a regular basis.
• Participate in hands‑on training and knowledge sharing to support continuous improvement and leadership development within the team.

Essential Skills

• Experience with control systems engineering, including PLC configuration and implementation.
• Strong programming skills related to automation and control systems.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.
• Ability to work effectively with human‑machine interfaces (HMI) in building and process automation environments.
• Hands‑on experience in building automation or process manufacturing controls.
• Capability to execute commissioning and validation protocols and address non‑conformances.
• Ability to travel frequently and work in a project‑to‑project role, spending several months at each location.
• Flexibility in scheduling and willingness to work extended shifts as required by project needs.
• Adaptability and enthusiasm for learning new technologies, industries, and processes.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills for collaborating with internal engineers and client stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering degree in mechanical, systems, automation, or electrical engineering, or equivalent hands‑on experience in controls or related fields.
• Interest in leadership opportunities and professional growth within engineering and project teams.
• Comfort working in diverse industries and environments, gaining exposure to different manufacturing processes.
• Motivation to participate in hands‑on training to expand technical and practical skills.
• Ability to manage travel demands while maintaining high‑quality work and customer‑focused service.

This role is fully onsite at project locations, with work performed in industrial and process manufacturing environments. You use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by each facility and project. Typical schedules follow extended‑hour shifts such as 6 days per week at 10 hours per day or 5 days per week at 10 hours per day, depending on project requirements. The position involves regular travel and work at different sites, including locations such as Dalton, GA. The environment offers hands‑on work with mechanical, electrical, and automation equipment, exposure to a variety of industries, and a culture that supports growth, travel opportunities, per diem benefits, practical training, and pathways into leadership roles.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $39.00 – $50.00/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 Detroit,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 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.