Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role offers an opportunity for a dedicated Controls Engineer to drive continuous improvement across multiple control systems and automation centers. You will identify opportunities to innovate existing automation solutions, enhance current control systems, and help standardize best practices across locations. Acting as a key technical representative, you will review PLC code, recommend modifications, and support implementation. You will analyze data from multiple sites to identify root causes of rework and contribute to the creation of reusable control system templates. You will collaborate closely with material handling sites and cross-functional teams to foster innovation in automation and controls while ensuring high-quality, reliable system performance.

Responsibilities

• Work independently with internal and external engineering teams to deliver high-quality, cross-functional projects.

• Partner with project managers and external vendors to set project priorities, establish milestones, and meet deadlines.

• Influence and review technical documentation, including system layouts and proposed solutions, to ensure alignment with requirements and standards.

• Represent system and equipment designs to customers and internal teams, clearly explaining technical concepts and design decisions.

• Communicate project status, address questions, and provide concise summaries and updates for leadership and stakeholders.

• Develop strong working relationships with vendors, engineers, operations teams, managers, and peers to support successful project delivery.

• Participate in design reviews and support execution efforts, with a strong emphasis on electrical and controls layout.

• Develop quality and performance test plans with internal teams to ensure vendor systems meet performance, safety, and reliability expectations.

• Identify and lead process improvement initiatives for operations teams, focusing on enhancing automation performance and control system reliability.

• Review PLC code and control system configurations, recommending improvements or modifications to support process optimization and standardization.

• Analyze data from multiple locations to identify standardization opportunities and root causes for rework, contributing to the development of control system templates.

• Collaborate with material handling sites to explore and implement innovative automation and controls solutions.

• Manage outside vendors by reviewing their controls designs and deliverables against specifications and ensuring they meet project requirements.

• Support the design and implementation of electrical and controls components for integrated automation solutions, including material handling systems, high-speed packaging lines, and manufacturing lines.

• Ensure that all control systems and related documentation comply with applicable electrical codes, electrical standards, and organizational guidelines.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in PLC programming, including the ability to program PLCs from scratch.

• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLC systems.

• Experience improving and modifying control systems to achieve process improvements and increased reliability.

• Ability to manage outside vendors and review their control systems against technical specifications and project requirements.

• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, electrical codes, electrical standards, and material handling systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.

• 4+ years of experience in controls engineering, electrical engineering, process engineering, project management, or a closely related occupation.

• Experience managing material handling or automation projects from design through implementation.

• Design and implementation experience in the electrical and controls areas of integrated automation solutions, such as material handling systems, high-speed packaging lines, or manufacturing lines.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Project, and Outlook.

• Ability to work independently on complex technical projects and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Strong communication skills to explain technical concepts, present designs, and provide clear updates to leadership and stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with SCADA and HMI development and implementation.

• Experience with HMI programming and integration with PLC-based systems.

• Experience in automation projects involving material handling, packaging, or manufacturing environments.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute quality and performance test plans for vendor systems.

• Experience analyzing operational data to identify standardization opportunities and root causes of rework.

• Proven ability to build strong relationships with leadership, operations teams, and business stakeholders.

• Comfort working in a growing team environment with evolving processes and opportunities for future work.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.

• Ability to travel approximately 25%, typically 2–3 days of travel per week when required.

Work Environment

This role supports multiple locations and involves a combination of travel and remote work. Travel is typically 25%, often 2–3 days per week (NO weekend travel), to visit automation and material handling sites, collaborate with vendors, and support on-site system design, testing, and implementation. On weeks when you are not traveling, you may work remotely from home, collaborating with teams through digital tools and managing project activities virtually. You will work with modern automation technologies, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and integrated electrical and control systems for material handling, high-speed packaging lines, and manufacturing lines. The environment emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement, with a focus on building a new and growing team that offers potential for ongoing work beyond the initial contract.

Apply Today!

Taylor Brantley Sr. Recruiter will follow-up with additional details!

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $65.00/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 remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.