Controls Engineer

Job Title: Second Shift Controls EngineerJob Description

The Second Shift Controls Engineer supports and maintains plant-floor automation systems in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role focuses on PLC programming, troubleshooting automated equipment, supporting industrial robotics, HMI development, and motor drive configuration. The Controls Engineer partners closely with operations and engineering teams to improve production efficiency, reduce downtime, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, edit, and debug PLCs, with a strong focus on Allen-Bradley platforms, to ensure reliable and efficient operation of automated equipment.

• Diagnose and resolve automation issues on the production floor to minimize downtime and maintain smooth manufacturing operations.

• Support and maintain ABB, Fanuc, and Motoman robotic systems, including troubleshooting and adjustments to optimize performance.

• Develop, modify, and maintain HMI applications to improve operator interface, usability, and process visibility.

• Configure and adjust motor drives and related control equipment to support production requirements and process changes.

• Interpret and work from electrical schematics and circuitry diagrams to troubleshoot and repair control systems and equipment.

• Collaborate closely with operations and engineering teams to identify opportunities to improve production efficiency and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Provide primary automation and controls support during second shift as the sole Controls Engineer on-site, escalating issues as needed and coordinating with first shift engineering.

• Support new equipment integration, automation upgrades, and modifications in alignment with plant performance and quality goals.

• Document changes to programs, controls, and equipment settings to maintain accurate records and support knowledge sharing across shifts.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience in controls engineering in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

• Hands-on PLC programming, troubleshooting, editing, and debugging experience, specifically with Allen-Bradley platforms.

• Strong electrical controls troubleshooting skills, including the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and circuitry.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and resolve automation issues directly on the production floor.

• Experience with controls engineering and automation in a plant-floor setting.

• Ability and willingness to work second shift from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM.

• Solid understanding of industrial automation, control systems, and electrical design concepts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related technical field.

• Experience programming or supporting Fanuc robotics in an industrial environment.

• AutoCAD experience for reviewing or updating electrical and controls drawings.

• Background in automotive manufacturing or Tier 1 supplier environments.

• Familiarity with ERP systems used in manufacturing operations.

• Experience working with ABB and Motoman robots in addition to Fanuc is beneficial.

• Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and continuous improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, second shift role scheduled from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM, averaging approximately 45 hours per week. The Controls Engineer works primarily on the production floor, spending about 80% of the time in the plant near automated equipment and 20% at a desk performing programming, documentation, and engineering tasks. The position operates in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment that leverages advanced automation, robotics, and modern control systems. The engineer collaborates with a tight-knit Controls Engineering team, working closely with the first shift Controls Engineer for handoffs and support, while serving as the primary automation and controls resource on second shift. The facility emphasizes safety, reliability, and continuous improvement, offering the opportunity to directly influence plant performance and automation initiatives.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Ledge, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $47.00/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 Grand Ledge,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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.