Senior Controls Engineer

Job Title:

Senior Controls Engineer

Job 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.

HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE

+ Work from home when you don't have to be in

+ 25-30% Travel to customers

+ 3-5 days at a time typical

+ company CC when traveling, all expenses paid

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

+ 6+ years as a controls engineer

+ PLC Programming (allen bradley)

+ AutoCAD Electrical experience (read/edit)

+ Robotics programming (fanuc/ABB)

Work Environment

50/50 behind the desk, versus on the floor work.

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 work spaces and large monitors designed to support detailed engineering and programming tasks.

Casual attire is appropriate in the primary facility.

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.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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…