Senior Controls Engineer

Actalent; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Actalent, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, seeks a Senior Controls Engineer to lead machine development from conception to integration. You will collaborate with electrical and mechanical teams, mentor peers, and engage with customers during on-site visits.

Expect around 20% travel, with some international trips, and a 50/50 mix of desk and shop-floor work. The ideal candidate has extensive PLC and robotics experience, strong AutoCAD Electrical skills, and a track record of leading projects in a

Qualifications

• 7+ years of controls engineering experience.
• Proficient in PLC programming and troubleshooting, especially Rockwell.
• Robotics experience with Fanuc and ABB.
• AutoCAD Electrical expertise for hydraulic and pneumatic system design.

Responsibilities

• Develop machines per customer orders, from conception to integration.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineering teams.
• Program PLCs, primarily using Rockwell, with some Siemens, GE, and Omron.
• Understand and implement robotic programming and safety features, using Fanuc, Nachi, ABB, and Motoman.
• Design hardware in AutoCAD Electrical, including reading schematics and designing hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Skills

Controls engineering

Rockwell PLC

Fanuc robotics

ABB robotics

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Job Title: Senior Controls Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer who will collaborate closely with a team of Controls Engineers and engage with customers during on-site visits. The role offers the potential to lead projects or mentor team members. The position requires approximately 20% travel, primarily local, with some international trips. The ideal candidate will work on developing machines from conception to integration, interacting with various engineering disciplines to deliver the final product.

Responsibilities

• Develop machines per customer orders, from conception to integration.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical engineering teams.
• Program PLCs, primarily using Rockwell, with some Siemens, GE, and Omron.
• Understand and implement robotic programming and safety features, using Fanuc, Nachi, ABB, and Motoman.
• Design hardware in AutoCAD Electrical, including reading schematics and designing hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Essential Skills

• 7+ years of experience in Controls Engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting, especially Rockwell.
• Robotics experience, primarily with Fanuc and ABB.
• Expertise in AutoCAD Electrical for hydraulic and pneumatic system design.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• OEM experience (e.g., Ford, GM).

Work Environment

The work environment includes a modern, updated facility with organized, clean, and air-conditioned shop floors. New workspaces feature privacy and large monitors. The role involves a 50/50 split between desk work, shop floor presence, and travel. Typically, the work week exceeds 45 hours. Casual attire is acceptable, and a company credit card is provided for travel expenses. The position offers flexible work arrangements, allowing remote work when not required on-site.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $42.00 - $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 hybrid position in Grand Rapids,MI. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 1, 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.