Senior Controls Engineer

Job Title: Senior Controls Systems EngineerJob Description

This Senior Controls Systems Engineer role supports a long-term 18‑month automation project based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with strong potential for additional projects beyond the initial assignment. You will lead controls design, PLC and HMI programming, commissioning, and startup support for manufacturing and process automation environments, with a focus on data center and HVAC-related systems. The position offers significant overtime opportunities, clear paths for growth, and the chance to deepen your technical expertise in Rockwell, Siemens, and Ignition SCADA technologies while working closely with customers, engineering teams, and field personnel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of industrial control systems for manufacturing, process, and data center environments.

• Develop, program, and modify PLC code and logic using Rockwell Studio 5000/RSLogix and Siemens platforms.

• Troubleshoot PLC code and logic to diagnose and resolve control system issues efficiently and safely.

• Design, configure, and maintain HMI applications, including Ignition-based interfaces, to support intuitive operator control and monitoring.

• Perform integration of control systems with field instrumentation, sensors, and equipment, ensuring reliable and accurate operation.

• Conduct thorough instrumentation and control system troubleshooting to minimize downtime and optimize system performance.

• Review, interpret, and validate design documents, control narratives, P&IDs, electrical schematics, and related documentation, ensuring alignment with project requirements.

• Provide input and feedback on design and documentation to improve system reliability, maintainability, and clarity.

• Support commissioning and startup activities, including on-site testing, tuning, and verification of control sequences and system functionality.

• Collaborate closely with customers, internal engineering teams, and field personnel to define requirements, clarify expectations, and ensure successful project execution.

• Apply HVAC controls knowledge, including air-side and water-side systems, to design and support control strategies in data center and related environments.

• Support networked control architectures by working with industrial networks and communication protocols used in PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.

• Document changes, configurations, and test results clearly and accurately for project records and future maintenance.

• Provide customer-facing support during project execution, addressing questions, explaining control strategies, and ensuring a positive client experience.

• Take ownership of projects from concept through startup, managing priorities, communicating progress, and ensuring deliverables meet quality and schedule expectations.

Essential Skills

• 4+ years of experience in industrial automation or controls engineering.

• Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting experience with Rockwell Studio 5000/RSLogix.

• Experience with PLC code and logic troubleshooting on Rockwell and Siemens platforms.

• Hands-on HMI development experience in industrial environments.

• Experience with controls systems in manufacturing and process automation environments.

• Experience with integration, instrumentation, and troubleshooting of control systems and field devices.

• Demonstrated ability to review and interpret design and documentation, including control drawings and related technical documents.

• HVAC controls experience, including air-side and water-side systems.

• Ability to lead controls design, PLC/HMI programming, commissioning, and startup activities.

• Strong documentation skills for control systems, configurations, and changes.

• Ability to work directly with customers, engineering teams, and field personnel in a collaborative, project-focused environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline or equivalent experience with substantial hands-on controls background.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ignition SCADA or Ignition HMI experience, highly preferred.

• Understanding of industrial networks and communication architectures used in control systems.

• Experience working in data center environments or similar mission-critical facilities.

• Exposure to both Rockwell and Siemens ecosystems for broader integration capability.

• Demonstrated interest in technical advancement and continuous learning in automation and controls.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects while maintaining high quality and attention to detail.

Work Environment

This role is fully on-site Monday through Friday at a data center facility in the Ann Arbor, Michigan area. You will work in a highly technical, industrial environment focused on reliable operation of automation and HVAC systems, including air-side and water-side infrastructure. The position involves regular interaction with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems (including Ignition), industrial networks, and field instrumentation. The work schedule typically follows standard weekday hours with frequent opportunities for overtime, especially during commissioning, integration, and startup phases. You will collaborate closely with engineering teams, operations staff, and field technicians in a professional setting that emphasizes safety, technical excellence, and continuous growth. Appropriate industrial attire and adherence to site safety and facility protocols are expected at all times.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/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 hybrid position in Saline,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 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.