Electrical Controls Engineer

Job Title: Electrical Controls EngineerJob Description

The Electrical Controls Engineer supports the design, implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of industrial electrical and automation systems in a manufacturing environment. This role focuses on facility electrical distribution systems, PLC-based controls, HMI/SCADA platforms, and automation projects that enhance reliability, safety, and operational performance. The position is ideal for a hands-on engineer with strong troubleshooting skills, project management experience, and a passion for process improvement and industrial automation.

Responsibilities

• Design, modify, troubleshoot, and support industrial control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA platforms, and electrical distribution systems.

• Develop and maintain automation solutions that improve manufacturing efficiency, equipment reliability, and operational safety.

• Support electrical and controls projects from concept through implementation, including design, cost estimation, vendor coordination, installation, and commissioning.

• Collaborate closely with contractors, suppliers, maintenance teams, and operations personnel to execute capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Provide technical support for facility electrical systems and manufacturing process controls to ensure stable and reliable operation.

• Develop and modify HMI and SCADA applications to enhance process visibility, operator effectiveness, and overall system usability.

• Troubleshoot electrical, automation, and control system issues to minimize downtime and optimize production performance.

• Support equipment upgrades, automation initiatives, and modernization efforts across the facility.

• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical codes, safety standards, and industry best practices in all designs and implementations.

• Create and maintain accurate technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and project records for electrical and control systems.

• Apply a systems-thinking mindset to understand how processes, equipment, and teams interact across the operation and incorporate this understanding into solutions.

• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement data-driven solutions that optimize performance and reliability.

• Anticipate potential issues, proactively address risks, and implement sustainable corrective actions.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, balancing priorities and responding effectively to changing business needs.

• Communicate effectively with stakeholders across engineering, operations, and maintenance to influence decisions and gain alignment on technical solutions.

• Build strong working relationships and collaborate with employees at all levels of the organization to drive successful project outcomes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or a related field.

• Authorization to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship requirements.

• Solid knowledge of industrial electrical systems, automation controls, and manufacturing processes.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities in electrical and control system environments.

• Ability to apply a systems-thinking approach to understand complex interactions between processes, equipment, and teams.

• Strong organizational and project management skills for planning and executing electrical and automation projects.

• Data-driven approach to problem solving and decision making.

• Effective communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders in engineering, operations, and maintenance.

• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and adapt to changing business needs.

• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting electrical and automation systems in a manufacturing environment.

• Experience with facility power distribution systems ranging from low voltage to medium voltage applications.

• PLC programming and troubleshooting experience, including experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and Studio 5000 / RSLogix software.

• HMI and SCADA system development and support experience.

• Experience with SCADA platforms such as Ignition, FactoryTalk, Wonderware, or AVEVA.

• Project management experience leading electrical or automation projects from concept through commissioning.

• Experience with reliability, maintenance, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) programs.

• Continuous improvement experience, including application of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.

• Knowledge of industrial robotics and automated manufacturing equipment.

• Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 70E, and NFPA 79 standards.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, AutoCAD, or similar electrical design software.

• Demonstrated passion for continuous improvement and process optimization.

Work Environment

This role operates within a manufacturing environment that relies on industrial electrical distribution systems, PLC-based controls, HMI/SCADA platforms, robotics, and automated production equipment. The Electrical Controls Engineer works closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, contractors, and suppliers on facility-wide automation and modernization initiatives. The position offers exposure to a broad range of manufacturing technologies, including PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics, and power distribution equipment, and provides significant visibility with operations and leadership teams. Work may involve time on the production floor and in technical offices, using tools such as AutoCAD Electrical, PLC programming software, and SCADA development platforms. The environment emphasizes safety, reliability, productivity, and continuous improvement, and encourages collaboration, technical innovation, and data-driven decision making.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Whitehall, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $115000.00/yr.

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.

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) retirement plan Life and disability insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) PTO and paid holidays Tuition assistance and training opportunities Parental/adoption benefits (availability can vary by position/location)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Whitehall,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.