Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer
Job Description
The Controls Engineer develops, programs, and supports industrial control systems in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on shop-floor troubleshooting and launch support for new and updated machining and assembly processes. This role uses Factory Information Systems (FIS) data and plant monitoring tools to improve equipment performance, integrates controls with plant IT systems, and works hands-on with PLCs, robots, and automation to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient production operations.
Responsibilities

• Develop and implement improvements to control systems and equipment using Factory Information Systems (FIS) data and plant monitoring tools.
• Lead problem-solving activities to resolve equipment performance issues, including identifying root causes and implementing robust corrective actions.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for machinery, robots, automation, and controls-related issues and downtime on the shop floor.
• Coordinate resources across maintenance, vendors, and process teams to break complex problems into actionable, verifiable tasks.
• Use FIS plant monitoring software to review and analyze equipment cycle times and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Assist in integrating controls systems into IT platforms such as Factory Information Systems (FIS), Error Proofing systems, QWX, and QTS.
• Review and coordinate project installations for new or modified equipment and automation systems.
• Reprogram equipment to support engineering changes, process improvements, and product updates.
• Maintain and manage program backups for machinery, automation systems, and robots to ensure quick recovery and configuration control.
• Program new installations of automation equipment, machinery, material handling systems, and industrial robots.
• Review and participate in equipment safety risk assessments as part of a cross-functional team to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Assist in training manufacturing personnel and plant electricians on controls, automation systems, and troubleshooting methods.
• Support PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment, production interlocks, safety systems, and automated stations during pre-production, launch, and early production ramp-up phases.
• Validate control system changes directly on the shop floor with operations, maintenance, and process teams.
• Support multiple workstreams in parallel, driven by production readiness timelines, launch milestones, and change implementation requirements.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of related controls engineering or controls-focused experience, ideally in a manufacturing environment, with or without a completed engineering degree.
• Hands-on experience supporting manufacturing equipment on the shop floor and troubleshooting controls-related issues.
• Strong PLC programming experience, with Siemens PLC programming as a must-have skill.
• Experience with PLC controllers such as Siemens, Rexroth, and Allen-Bradley.
• Proficiency with Siemens Step 7 and TIA Portal programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with Siemens power line and solution line configuration and programming.
• Ability to troubleshoot Fanuc controls and industrial robots.
• Experience with CNC machines and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with industrial robots and/or vision systems, with experience considered a strong plus.
• Ability to work effectively with union maintenance teams, external vendors, and internal process team members.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for effective collaboration and documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills using methods such as 8D and 5 Why analysis.
• Knowledge and application of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Experience using Lean tools such as 5S, Kanban, Poka-yoke, and Value Stream Mapping.
• Familiarity with UL508A requirements and NFPA 79 for industrial control panels and electrical safety.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma required, with 5+ years of related controls or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred.
• Experience working in fast-paced, launch-driven manufacturing environments.
• Comfort working primarily on the shop floor rather than in a desk-based or remote setting.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams in parallel as launch milestones approach.
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with cross-functional operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Gear-specific experience is not required, making this role suitable for candidates from diverse manufacturing backgrounds.

Work Environment
This is a first-shift, on-site position with standard hours of 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Minimal overtime may be required and, when needed, is typically worked at the end of the shift. Occasional Saturday work may be required, approximately one Saturday every other month, with ample advance notice to plan support. The role is heavily floor-based, with engineers spending the majority of their time in a fast-paced manufacturing environment supporting automated and semi-automated machining and assembly lines. Controls Engineers work directly with PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment, production interlocks, safety systems, robots, and automated stations during pre-production, launch, and early production ramp-up. The environment is driven by production readiness timelines and issue resolution at the point of use, requiring comfort with hands-on troubleshooting, real-time adjustments, and coordination with operations and maintenance teams. This setting is well-suited for individuals who thrive in a dynamic, hands-on manufacturing atmosphere and enjoy playing a key role in bringing new powertrain and axle processes into full-scale production.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $46.06 - $50.66/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 Sterling Heights,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 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.


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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.



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