Controls Engineer

Job Title: Lead Controls Engineer (Contract)Job Description

This contract Lead Controls Engineer role focuses on driving multiple machine automation projects that involve robotic material handling applications. You will take ownership of controls engineering activities across the full project lifecycle, including controls design, PLC programming, commissioning, and installation support. In this leadership position, you will learn and apply established engineering standards, guide controls efforts, and support a team through machine build, startup, and deployment.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls engineering efforts on automated machine integration projects from concept through deployment.

• Develop detailed electrical controls designs using AutoCAD Electrical in alignment with established engineering standards.

• Program, configure, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLC systems using Studio 5000.

• Support machine build activities by providing controls expertise and resolving design and integration issues.

• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), ensuring that automated equipment meets functional and performance requirements.

• Provide on-site installation and startup support for automated machines and robotic material handling systems.

• Implement, configure, and troubleshoot line tracking applications to ensure accurate product handling and positioning.

• Collaborate closely with robotics teams while owning all PLC and controls-related functionality within the automation systems.

• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and mentorship to project team members throughout project execution.

• Ensure controls designs and PLC programs follow established standards, best practices, and safety requirements.

• Diagnose and resolve controls-related issues during commissioning and production ramp-up, minimizing downtime.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience leading controls engineering efforts on automated machine integration projects.

• Hands-on experience developing electrical controls designs using AutoCAD Electrical.

• Strong proficiency programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLC systems with Studio 5000.

• Demonstrated experience with automation systems and robotic material handling applications.

• Ability to implement and troubleshoot line tracking applications in automated environments.

• Experience supporting machine build, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), installation, and startup activities.

• Capability to learn and apply established engineering and controls standards effectively.

• Track record of providing technical leadership and mentorship within project teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in machine integration, including end-to-end involvement from initial design through commissioning.

• Experience designing and programming controls systems from scratch for new automation equipment.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve complex controls and automation issues.

• Effective communication skills to collaborate with robotics teams and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently while coordinating efforts across multiple concurrent automation projects.

Work Environment

This role operates within a highly technical automation and manufacturing environment focused on machine integration and robotic material handling applications. You will work with tools and technologies such as AutoCAD Electrical, Allen-Bradley PLCs, and Studio 5000, supporting activities that span design offices, machine build areas, and production floors. The work involves close collaboration with robotics and engineering teams, hands-on interaction with automated equipment during build, testing, installation, and startup, and adherence to established engineering standards and safety practices.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Nunica, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/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 Nunica,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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.