Field PLC Controls Engineer — Onsite & Remote Support

Actalent; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 108,886,000 - 128,943,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, and support control systems for custom industrial equipment. The role emphasizes PLC programming, system commissioning, and troubleshooting, with on-site and remote project support across the Midwest.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and electrical schematics, and can travel ~30% to customer sites for installs and startups.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in controls engineering or industrial automation.
• Strong PLC programming with Allen-Bradley PLCs; modify and program from scratch.
• Proven troubleshooting in industrial environments with automated equipment.
• Ability to read electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.
• Mechanical aptitude and hands-on mindset with equipment.
• Independent work in shop and field environments.
• Excellent communication for customer-facing scenarios.
• Willingness to travel ~30% for project support.
• Exposure to FANUC/ABB robotics and Siemens PLCs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and modify PLC-based control systems, focusing on Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Develop, configure, and maintain HMIs and automation systems for industrial equipment.
• Support installation, commissioning, and startup activities at customer sites, hands-on.
• Troubleshoot control system issues, identify root causes, and implement improvements.
• Read and interpret electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics for diagnostics and modifications.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers and customers to meet performance and safety requirements.
• Provide on-site and remote technical support through the project lifecycle.

Skills

PLC programming

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Troubleshooting

Schematic reading

Mechanical aptitude

Independent work

Customer-facing

Communication

Travel readiness

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

HMIs

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, and support control systems for custom industrial equipment. The role emphasizes PLC programming, system commissioning, and troubleshooting, with on-site and remote project support across the Midwest.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, and electrical schematics, and can travel ~30% to customer sites for installs and startups.