Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer
Job Description
The Controls Engineer will design, program, and commission advanced control systems for custom friction and resistance welding machines used in aerospace, automotive, and other high-tech industries. This role is ideal for a focused, detail-oriented professional who takes pride in their work, enjoys collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams, and is eager to deepen their technical expertise in machine controls, automation, and industrial software. This position is located in South Bend, Indiana and requires 5 days onsite.
Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with Applications Engineers, Fluid Systems Engineers, and Mechanical Engineers to develop effective machine control system solutions for friction welding equipment.
• Design and create detailed electrical schematics using AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, and/or ePLAN, ensuring accuracy and compliance with project requirements.
• Prepare and maintain Bills of Material documentation for control systems and related electrical components.
• Conduct machine commissioning activities, including setup, testing, troubleshooting, and validation of control systems.
• Interpret control system requirements from project scope documents and translate them into practical control architectures and software solutions.
• Implement ANSI and ISO machine design and safety standards within control system designs to ensure safe and reliable machine operation.
• Develop machine sequence and control flow charts that clearly define operational logic and process steps.
• Program and configure Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications for machine controls using Siemens and related automation products.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize Siemens PLCs for friction welding and resistance welding machines.
• Grow and develop expertise in machinery, machine controls, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human machine interfaces (HMIs), and associated control software.
• Support automation integration efforts, including coordination with robotics and other automated systems as required.
• Engage with customers in a professional, customer-facing capacity to understand requirements, discuss design solutions, and support commissioning or troubleshooting activities.
• Apply mechanical and electrical aptitude to diagnose issues, propose improvements, and ensure robust machine performance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of control system standards, documentation, and best practices within the engineering team.

Essential Skills

• 2 to 5 years of experience working as a Controls Engineer in an industrial or automation environment.
• Hands-on Siemens PLC experience, including troubleshooting and programming.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, with the ability to understand machine operation and control system interactions.
• Experience in customer-facing roles, including discussing design requirements and providing technical support.
• Proficiency in designing control systems and participating in automation projects.
• Ability to create and interpret electrical schematics using tools such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, and ePLAN.
• Knowledge of hydraulics and pneumatics as they relate to machine control and automation systems.
• Experience with PLC programming and control systems, including development of control logic and sequences.
• Familiarity with automation and control engineering concepts, including control system architecture and integration.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams and communicate clearly with colleagues and customers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline is preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, or ePLAN for electrical design and documentation.
• Exposure to Rockwell automation platforms and PLC control concepts.
• Experience with Siemens PLC tools such as TIA Portal, Step 7, Simotion Scout, and related engineering environments.
• Familiarity with HMI platforms including FactoryTalk and WinCC.
• Ability to program in Structured Text and Function Block Programming languages.
• Experience with automation integration projects involving robots and other advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Interest in working on custom design and integration projects for specialized welding machinery.
• Strong desire to continuously advance technical knowledge in machine controls, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial automation software.

Work Environment
This role is based onsite at the headquarters facility in South Bend, Indiana, working five days per week. The standard schedule is first shift, typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with minimal overtime expected. The environment centers around the design, build, and commissioning of advanced friction and resistance welding machines, offering daily exposure to cutting-edge automation technologies, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial control systems. The position includes occasional domestic and international travel, approximately two times per year, to support machine installation, commissioning, or customer visits. The workplace emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous learning, providing opportunities to expand your skills through custom design and integration projects in a modern engineering and manufacturing setting.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Detroit, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $48.08/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 fully onsite position in Detroit,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.