Job Title: Senior Controls EngineerJob Description
The Senior Controls Engineer will design, program, and integrate custom automated machinery from initial concept through final installation and commissioning. This role works closely with a team of controls engineers and collaborates with electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines to deliver complete, robust control systems. The position involves customer interaction, on-site support, and the opportunity to take technical lead responsibilities, including mentoring and guiding project work, while consistently operating at a Senior engineering level.
Responsibilities
Design, program, and integrate control systems for custom machines based on customer specifications, from concept through final acceptance.
Develop and troubleshoot PLC programs, primarily using Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms, and support additional platforms such as Siemens, GE, and Omron as needed.
Configure, program, and commission industrial robots, with a primary focus on Fanuc robots and additional work with Nachi, ABB, and Motoman systems.
Implement and validate machine safety features within control and robotic systems to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Perform hardware design using AutoCAD Electrical, including creation and modification of electrical schematics and panel layouts.
Design and interpret hydraulic and pneumatic system schematics and integrate these systems into the overall machine control architecture.
Collaborate closely with electrical and mechanical engineers to ensure seamless integration of controls, hardware, and mechanical components.
Provide on-site support at customer facilities for installation, start-up, debugging, and commissioning of automated equipment.
Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, controls, and robotic issues both remotely and on-site to minimize downtime and ensure customer satisfaction.
Interact with customers professionally to gather requirements, provide technical updates, and support acceptance testing.
Lead projects or portions of projects when appropriate, including mentoring team members and coordinating technical activities.
Document control system designs, programs, and changes clearly and accurately for internal use and customer handover.
Support continuous improvement efforts by refining standard designs, templates, and best practices for controls and automation projects.
Essential Skills
7+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, or a closely related field.
Strong expertise in PLC programming and troubleshooting, with significant experience on Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms.
Hands-on experience with robotic programming and integration, primarily with Fanuc robots and additional exposure to ABB systems.
Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical for hardware design, including creation and interpretation of electrical schematics.
Ability to design, read, and troubleshoot hydraulic and pneumatic schematics and integrate these systems into control architectures.
Solid understanding of control systems, electrical engineering principles, and industrial automation practices.
Experience with OEM environments, including work on equipment for major automotive manufacturers such as Ford and GM.
Ability to diagnose and resolve complex electrical, controls, and robotic issues in a fast-paced environment.
Strong communication skills to interact effectively with customers, team members, and cross-functional engineering disciplines.
Willingness and ability to travel approximately 20-30%, including primarily local travel and occasional international trips.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Siemens, GE, and Omron PLC platforms is beneficial.
Familiarity with additional robotic platforms such as Nachi and Motoman is a plus.
Background in electrical engineering, control systems, or a related technical discipline (degree not required).
Prior experience working with or for OEMs in automotive or similar high-volume manufacturing industries.
Demonstrated ability to lead projects or technical workstreams and mentor other engineers.
Comfort working both independently and as part of a collaborative engineering team.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and travel commitments.
Work Environment
The role operates in a modern, updated facility that features an organized, clean, and air-conditioned shop floor. Engineers work in newly built office areas with private, modern workspaces and large monitors designed to support detailed engineering and programming tasks. The position typically involves a balanced mix of approximately 50% desk work, 50% time on the shop floor and at customer sites, and an overall workweek that commonly exceeds 45 hours, with opportunities to work additional hours if desired. Travel comprises roughly 20-30% of the role, with about 90% of trips being local-often within a three-hour drive and typically returning home by dinner-and about 10% involving international travel. Work environments at customer facilities may vary depending on the site. The company supports a flexible work schedule that allows remote work when on-site presence is not required. Casual attire is appropriate in the primary facility. While traveling, a company credit card is provided for business expenses, and a per diem is available for meals and incidentals.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $42.00 - $50.00/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 hybrid position in Grand Rapids,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
