Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer Job Description
The Controls Engineer oversees the full lifecycle of conveyor control systems, from in-house build and programming through installation, startup, and production support at automotive manufacturing plants. This role focuses on Rockwell-based PLC and HMI systems, ensuring reliable operation of conveyor and powertrain assembly equipment while meeting customer timelines and project deadlines. The position offers significant growth opportunities to develop into a well-rounded Controls Engineer and project leader, with steady work projected for at least the next five years.
Responsibilities
- Lead controls activities for conveyor systems from initial build through installation, startup, and launch at customer sites.
- Program PLCs and HMIs using Rockwell platforms and established templates, ensuring consistency with project standards and customer requirements.
- Troubleshoot and debug control systems on conveyor and powertrain assembly equipment during both in-house build and onsite installation phases.
- Follow projects through all phases, including build, installation, startup, and production support, maintaining ownership of system performance.
- Work actively on the plant floor to support various projects at different phases, responding to issues and ensuring smooth operation of equipment.
- Ensure timelines and deadlines set by customers are met, adjusting work efforts and priorities to keep installations and launches on schedule.
- Install and commission equipment in automotive OEM plants, including conveyors and related tooling, verifying proper functionality and integration.
- Collaborate with Project Managers and other Controls Engineers to coordinate tasks, share information, and support multiple concurrent projects.
- Use ladder logic and Rockwell tools to modify, optimize, and maintain control programs as needed during testing and commissioning.
- Provide reactive controls support during startup and production, diagnosing issues and implementing corrective actions to minimize downtime.
- Adhere to customer and site requirements regarding work hours, shift schedules, and safety practices during installation and startup.
- Document work performed, changes to programs, and system configurations to support ongoing maintenance and future project work.
Essential Skills
- At least 2+ years of experience in Controls Engineering, including programming, troubleshooting, and debugging control systems.
- Hands-on experience working with conveyor systems and powertrain assembly or tooling controls.
- Minimum 2+ years of Rockwell PLC experience, including working within Rockwell platforms for PLCs, HMIs, and sometimes vision systems.
- At least 2+ years of experience troubleshooting, debugging, and programming from templates within Rockwell-based control environments.
- At least 2+ years of experience installing equipment at an OEM, particularly conveyor systems or similar equipment in automotive plants.
- Previous experience working inside an automotive OEM plant (such as Ford, GM, Stellantis) performing equipment installations.
- Proficiency with PLCs, including PLC-5 and RSLogix, and strong knowledge of ladder logic programming.
- Ability to debug and troubleshoot control programs and hardware issues on the plant floor under time-sensitive conditions.
- Experience as a Controls Engineer supporting manufacturing operations and equipment installations.
- Ability to work extended hours and off-shift times during installation and startup to meet customer requirements.
- Strong communication skills to work effectively with Project Managers, fellow Controls Engineers, and plant personnel.
- Capability to work independently while taking full ownership of assigned projects from build through launch.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- GM-specific certifications related to controls or conveyor systems are a plus.
- Prior conveyor-specific experience beyond minimum requirements is highly desirable.
- Experience with competitor controls systems and central conveyor controls is beneficial.
- Background providing reactive controls support within manufacturing plants is an advantage.
- Interest in developing into a project management role, overseeing projects from cradle to grave.
- Demonstrated ability to work across different roles and support tasks outside of core controls responsibilities as needed.
- Adaptability to work on multiple projects and in different environments, including various automotive plants.
Work Environment
The Controls Engineer works in both office and manufacturing plant environments. In the office, the setting is casual with individual cubicles in an interactive, team-oriented space where communication and collaboration are encouraged. Onsite at customer facilities, the work takes place in automotive manufacturing plants that are typically noisy and may require appropriate safety equipment. During the in-house build phase, typical work hours range from 40–50 hours per week. During installation and startup, work hours can increase to approximately 60–70 hours per week, including potential off-shift and weekend work as dictated by customer needs. Travel is required for installations and startups, including trips to automotive plants such as those in Lake Orion, MI, and other locations as projects arise; onsite assignments may last up to two weeks at a time, with duration varying based on project progress. The culture is strongly team-based, with Controls Engineers and Project Managers supporting one another, filling gaps where needed, and often assisting on projects and tasks outside of core controls responsibilities. Dress in the office is casual, while attire in plant environments must meet site-specific safety and protective equipment requirements.
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 Oct 6, 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.

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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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It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
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