Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer Job Description
This Controls Engineer position is responsible for designing, programming, and commissioning control systems for custom automated machinery. The role involves developing PLC software using ladder logic and structured text, creating HMI applications, configuring servo and motion control systems, and troubleshooting machine performance issues throughout the build and startup process. This individual will work closely with mechanical engineers, assembly technicians, customers, and field service teams to ensure successful machine integration and operation. The ideal candidate has experience with machine automation, strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills, and enjoys working in a fast-paced environment where they can support projects from concept through customer startup. The position offers a high level of variety, hands-on problem solving, customer interaction, and the opportunity to make a direct impact on machine performance and innovation.
Responsibilities
- Design, program, and commission control systems for custom automated machinery.
- Develop PLC software using ladder logic and structured text.
- Create HMI applications and configure servo and motion control systems.
- Troubleshoot machine performance issues throughout the build and startup process.
- Collaborate with mechanical engineers, assembly technicians, customers, and field service teams for successful machine integration and operation.
Essential Skills
- 1+ years of experience with PLC programming, troubleshooting, editing (AB or Siemens).
- Experience with servo and motion control, including configuration, programming, and commissioning.
- Experience with machine startup, commissioning, and debugging.
- Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including diagnosing machine, wiring, and control panel issues.
- Hands-on experience with electrical hardware design, circuit analysis, product development, and design validation.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering is nice to have.
- Experience with custom machinery, material handling equipment, or special-purpose automation.
- EPLAN experience.
- Experience performing root cause analysis and implementing machine performance improvements.
Work Environment
This company has around 200 employees, so it has the resources and stability of a larger company but still feels very family-oriented. The Controls Engineering team is close-knit, gets along well, and likes to have fun while getting the job done. Most people work about 45 hours a week, and while the typical schedule is 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, there's flexibility with start times. It's a hands-on environment where engineers have the opportunity to make a direct impact and see projects through from design to startup. The position offers good benefits, no micromanagement, and a family feel environment.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sturgis, 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 Sturgis,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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 [email protected] 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.