Controls Engineer

Job Title:

Senior Controls & Automation Technician Job Description The Senior Controls & Automation Technician designs, supports, integrates, and optimizes industrial automation systems within automotive and manufacturing environments. This Senior-level role requires 10+ years of experience and advanced expertise in PLC/HMI programming, robotics, vision systems, and manufacturing system integration. The technician plays a critical role in daily production support, new equipment launches, continuous improvement initiatives, and standardizing automation practices across the plant. The position requires strong technical ability, a hands-on approach on the plant floor, and a commitment to safety, quality, and reliability. Responsibilities Design, program, debug, and maintain PLC and HMI systems using Rockwell Studio 5000 and RSLogix to support automated equipment and processes. Troubleshoot and resolve automation, hardware, and process issues to support daily production and minimize equipment downtime. Integrate and support robotic systems for assembly, fastening, and material handling applications, ensuring reliable and repeatable performance. Design and implement machine vision systems using Keyence platforms, including IV2, IV3, IV4, and VS, to support inspection and quality control. Lead the integration, commissioning, and startup of new equipment, including weld assembly lines and fixtures, ensuring smooth handover to production. Support program launches from PPAP through SORP, ensuring automated systems meet quality, safety, and production requirements. Develop and implement plant-wide monitoring and alerting systems, such as thermal imaging, alarms, and Andon systems, to improve visibility and responsiveness. Establish and maintain automation standards, including PLC code structure, electrical prints, and reusable Add-On Instructions (AOIs), to drive consistency and reusability. Train and mentor technicians, sharing best practices and providing guidance on troubleshooting, maintenance, and automation standards. Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, maintenance, production, and quality teams to identify issues and implement effective solutions. Drive continuous improvement by optimizing control logic, reducing cycle times, and enhancing overall system performance and reliability. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment, promptly identifying and reporting hazards and following all safety procedures. Abide by all company policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct, Safety, Attendance, Quality, and general work rules. Maintain compliance with the company Quality Policy in all automation and controls activities. Attend all scheduled shifts and support overtime as required, particularly during launches or critical production periods. Perform all assigned duties with integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic, demonstrating a positive and professional attitude. Essential Skills At least 10 years of experience in controls and automation within automotive or manufacturing environments. At least three years of previous experience working in a manufacturing or warehouse environment. Advanced expertise in PLC programming and HMI development, specifically with Rockwell Studio 5000 and RSLogix. Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley controls platforms and Rockwell-based automation systems. Proven experience integrating and supporting robotic systems for assembly, fastening, and material handling. Experience designing and implementing machine vision systems using Keyence platforms (IV2, IV3, IV4, VS). Strong troubleshooting skills for automation, hardware, and process issues in a production environment. High School Diploma or GED. Ability to work independently while closely following directions and established procedures. Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time in a manufacturing plant environment. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds for short periods of time. Willingness and availability to work off-shift, weekends, and overtime as needed. Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and strong work ethic. Effective collaboration skills to work with team members across departments. Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment and to reporting hazards promptly. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience supporting program launches from PPAP through SORP in an automotive or manufacturing setting. Background in developing plant-wide monitoring and alerting systems such as thermal imaging, alarms, and Andon. Experience establishing and maintaining automation standards, including PLC structure, electrical prints, and reusable AOIs. Experience training and mentoring maintenance or controls technicians. Familiarity with weld assembly lines, fixtures, and their automation requirements. Strong communication skills to clearly document work and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Positive and professional attitude suited to a fast-paced manufacturing plant environment. Work Environment This role operates primarily in an automotive or manufacturing plant environment, working directly on the production floor around automated equipment, weld assembly lines, robots, and vision systems. The position involves extensive use of Rockwell Studio 5000, RSLogix, Allen-Bradley hardware, robotic systems, and Keyence vision systems, as well as plant-wide monitoring and alerting technologies such as thermal imaging, alarms, and Andon. The technician will spend significant time standing or walking and may need to lift up to 40 pounds for short periods. Work schedules may include off-shift hours, weekends, and overtime, particularly during new equipment launches and critical production periods. The environment emphasizes safety, cleanliness, and organization, with strong adherence to company policies, quality standards, and general work rules. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Mount Clemens, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $38.00/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 fully onsite position in Mount Clemens,MI.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 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 email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.