Controls Design Engineer

Job Title: Controls Design Engineer
Job Description

The Controls Design Engineer develops electrical and controls designs for custom automation and material handling systems. This role focuses on creating detailed schematics, control panel layouts, and comprehensive documentation while collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure that each system meets performance, safety, and quality standards.

• HYBRID work environment - work from home 2 days/week

Responsibilities

• Design detailed electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical or similar CAD tools for custom automation and material handling systems.
• Develop control panel layouts, bills of materials (BOMs), and complete system documentation to support manufacturing and installation.
• Create supporting documentation such as I/O lists, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, and interconnect diagrams to clearly define system operation and interfaces.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering, project management, and applications engineering teams to define system requirements and ensure cohesive designs.
• Interpret customer specifications and translate them into practical electrical and controls designs that meet project and company standards.
• Participate in design reviews, present design concepts, and recommend improvements to enhance functionality, efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure that all electrical and controls designs align with applicable standards, best practices, and internal guidelines.
• Support troubleshooting and design adjustments as needed during the project lifecycle to address technical issues and optimize system performance.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience designing electrical schematics using AutoCAD Electrical (or similar software)
• Strong understanding of AC and DC electrical systems, including power distribution and control circuits.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create electrical diagrams with clarity and accuracy.
• Ability to read and interpret pneumatic and hydraulic diagrams and integrate them into overall system designs.
• Solid grasp of automation components and their application within material handling and custom automation systems.

Work Environment

The Controls Design Engineer works in an engineering-focused environment that emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and clear documentation.
The role is primarily office-based, with some work from home flexibility a few days a week. Will be utilizing AutoCAD Electrical and related design tools to develop schematics, control panel layouts, and system documentation.
The engineer interacts regularly with mechanical engineering, project management, and applications teams to align designs with project requirements and customer specifications.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Holland, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $90000.00/yr.
Health, Dental, Vision, 401k
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Holland,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 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.