Controls Engineer

Software & Controls Engineer (PLC Programmer)

This role focuses on developing, implementing, and supporting controls software for robotic paint and sealer automation systems. You will work on PLC, HMI, and GUI programming, lead controls activities across the full project lifecycle, and support the build, installation, commissioning, and production operation of robotic systems at multiple customer sites. The position combines hands-on work on the manufacturing floor with field installation and customer support, offering significant exposure to advanced robotics and the opportunity to grow within a leading automation environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, and GUI software solutions for robotic paint and sealer automation applications.
• Develop controls architecture and software for robotic automation systems, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.
• Create functional specifications and define system I/O requirements to support system design and integration.
• Support electrical design reviews and system integration activities in collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Program, test, and debug PLC applications using Rockwell/Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and technical documentation to support operation and maintenance of systems.
• Support machine integration, commissioning, and system testing on the manufacturing floor during mod build and tear down phases.
• Assist with field installation, startup, and troubleshooting of robotic systems at customer facilities.
• Provide ongoing support for existing customer systems, including diagnostics, issue resolution, and performance optimization.
• Conduct customer training and technical support sessions to ensure effective use and understanding of installed systems.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams and mentor junior controls engineers in best practices for controls and automation.
• Travel to customer facilities to perform installation, commissioning, debugging, and production support activities.
• Participate in simulation, mod build, and install activities for paint and sealer robots as part of a specialized controls team.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 3 years of experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs using Rockwell/Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms, including working from templates, debugging, and optimization.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with HMI development, including configuration, screen design, and integration with PLC systems.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with industrial networking and communication protocols in manufacturing or automation environments.
• Minimum 3 years of electrical and pneumatic troubleshooting experience on automated equipment or industrial machinery.
• Minimum 3 years of experience creating technical documentation and specifications, including SOPs and functional requirements.
• Proven experience supporting installation of equipment at client locations, including commissioning and startup activities.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for controls, electrical, and pneumatic systems in an industrial setting.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams and communicate clearly with customers.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25%–40%, including extended trips for international installations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on robot programming or integration experience, particularly with paint and sealer applications, is highly desirable.
• Experience with electrical design, including reading and interpreting electrical schematics, is a strong plus.
• Experience with simulation tools or virtual commissioning of robotic or automated systems is preferred.
• Experience in industrial automation, robotics, or manufacturing engineering is beneficial.
• Experience mentoring or guiding junior engineers in controls or automation disciplines is an advantage.
• Strong documentation skills and attention to detail in creating specifications, SOPs, and technical reports.
• Adaptability to varying customer requirements and project timelines, including high-intensity installation periods.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a robotics-focused organization that promotes from within.

Work Environment

You will join a controls-focused group of approximately 15 people who primarily work in the PLC software space for paint and sealer robotic applications. From now until October, you will work onsite at a facility in Rochester Hills supporting the modification build of robots and subsequent tear down on the manufacturing floor. Starting in October, you will travel to customer locations in the United Kingdom and South Carolina to support installation, commissioning, and production operations of these robotic systems. Travel will be about 25%–40% overall. UK trips may last up to 6 weeks at a time followed by approximately 2 weeks at home, while South Carolina trips typically involve about 2 weeks onsite followed by home time on weekends. When working in Rochester Hills, weekly hours are generally 40–50. During onsite work at customer facilities, you can expect 50–70+ hours per week depending on project phase and customer needs. Food and lodging are covered while you are staying near client locations. The environment offers exposure to a diverse customer portfolio beyond automotive and the chance to work with one of the largest robotics organizations in the world, with a culture that emphasizes internal promotion and professional growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rochester Hills, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $53.00 - $60.00/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 Rochester Hills, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 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.