Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer - Conveyor Systems

Job Description

This role focuses on delivering complete controls solutions for conveyor systems from initial build through installation, startup, and production support. The Controls Engineer will program, troubleshoot, and debug PLC-based systems, primarily using Rockwell platforms, while working closely with automotive OEM customers. The position offers significant hands-on exposure on the plant floor, extensive project lifecycle ownership, and strong opportunities for professional growth into a well-rounded Controls Engineer and future project leader.

Responsibilities

• Handle the full lifecycle of conveyor system controls projects, from in-house build through installation, startup, and launch at customer sites.

• Program PLCs and related control systems using established templates within the Rockwell platform, ensuring consistency with project standards.

• Troubleshoot and debug PLC programs, HMI interfaces, and related control systems during build, installation, and startup phases.

• Work actively on the plant floor to support various projects at different phases, including conveyor systems, powertrain assembly, and tooling.

• Ensure that all programming work adheres to project templates, customer specifications, and internal standards.

• Support the build phase at the internal facility, collaborating with other Controls Engineers and project team members to prepare systems for installation.

• Travel to customer sites, including automotive OEM plants, to support installation, commissioning, and startup of conveyor and related equipment.

• Identify and resolve controls-related issues during installation and startup, including ladder logic debugging and system tuning.

• Monitor project timelines and proactively work to meet customer deadlines and milestones.

• Collaborate closely with project managers and other team members to coordinate work, communicate status, and address risks or issues.

• Provide on-site support during startup, including extended hours and off-shift work as required by customer schedules.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of controls templates, standards, and processes based on lessons learned from projects.

• Support multiple projects as needed, stepping into different roles within the controls and project teams to fill gaps and ensure project success.

• Maintain clear documentation of programming changes, troubleshooting steps, and system configurations throughout the project.

• Build strong working relationships with customer plant personnel and internal team members across various locations.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience in Controls Engineering, with a strong understanding of programming, troubleshooting, and debugging conveyor systems.

• Minimum 2 years of hands-on Rockwell PLC experience, including platforms such as PLC-5 and RSLogix.

• At least 2 years of experience troubleshooting, debugging, and programming from templates within a Rockwell-based controls environment.

• Minimum 2 years of experience installing equipment at an OEM, preferably conveyor systems, within automotive plants.

• Experience working inside automotive OEM plants (such as Ford, GM, or Stellantis) performing installation of equipment; conveyor installation experience is strongly preferred.

• Proficiency in PLC programming and ladder logic for industrial automation applications.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and debug control systems during build, installation, and startup phases.

• Experience working with HMI systems within the Rockwell ecosystem.

• Ability to follow and program from standardized templates within the Rockwell platform.

• Willingness and ability to travel to customer sites for installation and startup support, including multi-week stays.

• Comfort working extended hours (60-70 hours per week) and off-shift schedules during installation and startup as required by customers.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with project managers, other Controls Engineers, and customer personnel.

• Capability to work independently on the plant floor and adapt to changing project phases and priorities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• GM certifications related to controls or automation.

• Previous conveyor-specific experience in automotive or industrial environments.

• Experience with competitor controls systems, including other major controls platforms used in manufacturing plants.

• Experience in reactive controls support within manufacturing plants, providing on-the-floor troubleshooting and support.

• Exposure to powertrain assembly and tooling controls systems.

• Experience integrating HMI and, at times, vision systems within Rockwell-based architectures.

• Demonstrated interest in developing into a well-rounded Controls Engineer and future project leader.

• Ability to support multiple projects and step into roles outside core controls responsibilities when needed.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across different plants and teams.

Work Environment

The Controls Engineer will work in a mix of office and manufacturing environments. In the office, the setting is casual with individual cubicles and an interactive, collaborative atmosphere where team members communicate frequently and support one another. During the build phase at the internal facility, the typical workweek ranges from 40 to 50 hours. During installation and startup at customer sites, the workweek may increase to approximately 60 to 70 hours and can include off-shift hours, depending on customer requirements. The role involves regular travel to automotive manufacturing plants, including locations such as Lake Orion, MI, and other sites as projects arise. On-site work takes place in active plant manufacturing facilities that can be noisy and require appropriate safety equipment. The team culture is strongly team-based and supportive; Controls Engineers work closely with other Controls Engineers and project managers, often assisting on different projects and occasionally taking on responsibilities outside core controls work. The environment offers steady project work projected for at least the next five years, with significant opportunities to learn all aspects of controls engineering and project management, and to grow into leadership roles.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 onsite position in Sterling Heights,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 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.