Process Controls Engineer

Actalent; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Process Controls Engineer in Lansing, MI for a contract-to-hire role with hybrid work arrangements. Travel 25% anticipated to Lansing/Detroit area.

You will own projects from design through startup, including control panels, PLC/SCADA programming, and field commissioning. The position offers a mix of remote engineering and on-site support with pay$30–$50/hour and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Hands-on SCADA experience with VTScada preferred.
• Electrical design experience.
• Proficient in analog control systems for pumps, valves, instrumentation, and pressure/flow control.
• Experience implementing and tuning PID loops for process control.
• PLC programming and HMI development.
• Ability to own projects from design through startup and commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control panels for municipal wastewater treatment and related industrial applications.
• Configure, program, and troubleshoot SCADA systems, focusing on VTScada or similar platforms.
• Develop, program, and test PLC-based control systems for pumps, valves, instrumentation, and process equipment.
• Implement and tune analog control systems, including PID loops for pressure, flow, level, and other process variables.
• Design and integrate pump control, valve control, and related process control strategies for water and wastewater systems.
• Develop HMI screens and operator interfaces for monitoring and controlling process systems.
• Integrate field instrumentation into control systems and ensure PLC-SCADA-HMI communication.
• Perform FAT and on-site startup support and optimize performance.

Skills

SCADA experience

VTScada

Electrical design

Analog control

PID tuning

PLC programming

HMI development

Independent work

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Process Controls Engineer

The Process Controls Engineer supports municipal wastewater treatment projects from initial design through final startup and commissioning. You will take full ownership of projects, working independently across all phases of the project lifecycle, including control panel design, PLC and SCADA programming, system integration, testing, and on-site startup support. Projects vary in size and complexity, offering a mix of remote engineering work and field-based commissioning, with travel requirements that fluctuate depending on project phase and location.

• Travel 25%/year - day trips to Lansing/Detroit area
• Company CC for gas, milage, hotel, ect.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control panels for municipal wastewater treatment and related industrial applications.
• Configure, program, and troubleshoot SCADA systems, with a focus on VTScada or similar platforms.
• Develop, program, and test PLC-based control systems for pumps, valves, instrumentation, and process equipment.
• Implement and tune analog control systems, including PID loops for pressure, flow, level, and other process variables.
• Design and integrate pump control, valve control, and related process control strategies for water and wastewater systems.
• Develop HMI screens and operator interfaces for monitoring and controlling process systems.
• Integrate field instrumentation, including pressure, flow, level, temperature, and analytical instruments, into control systems.
• Participate in system integration activities, ensuring seamless communication between PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, and field devices.
• Perform testing, simulation, and factory acceptance tests (FAT) to validate control system performance prior to deployment.
• Provide on-site startup and commissioning support, including system checkout, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Support the development and configuration of historian systems and high-availability SCADA architectures when applicable.
• Apply cybersecurity fundamentals and best practices to industrial control system environments.
• Collaborate with project teams, customers, and field personnel to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and ensure successful project delivery.
• Document designs, configurations, and test results to support project handover and long-term system maintenance.
• Travel to customer sites for day trips and overnight stays as needed during commissioning and field support phases.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on SCADA experience, with VTScada strongly preferred.
• Electrical design experience
• Proficiency in analog control systems - pumps, valves, instrumentation, and pressure and flow control applications
• Experience implementing and tuning PID loops for process control.
• PLC programming and HMI development
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects from design through startup and commissioning.

Work Environment

The standard schedule is typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility to start earlier or later as needed, and an approximate 45-hour work week where hours over 40 are compensated at time and a half.

The environment centers on industrial and municipal facilities, working with PLCs, SCADA systems, control panels, and field instrumentation in water and wastewater treatment and related industries.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $50.00/hr.

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 hybrid position in Lansing,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 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 initiativ