Controls Engineer

Job Title:

Controls Engineer - Modular Machines and Material Handling Systems Job Description This role offers the opportunity to work on innovative modular machines and material handling systems within a dynamic electronics-focused business. The Controls Engineer will support the full lifecycle of advanced automated systems, from learning and supporting development overseas, through build, debug, commissioning, and customer buyoff, to installation and production support at customer sites. The position emphasizes PLC software debugging and controls support, with additional value placed on hardware controls experience. Extensive collaboration with global engineering teams, build and install teams, and end customers is central to this role. Responsibilities Support two major projects involving modular machines and material handling systems for the electronics business within an industrial group (non-automotive). Travel to China and/or Taiwan for approximately two weeks to learn the development of the specific modular system from the local engineering team. Support the system build at the overseas facility, ensuring that all controls and automation functions operate correctly. Tear down the completed system overseas, coordinate shipment to Auburn Hills, and lead or support reassembly and testing to confirm full functionality. Focus primarily on PLC-based software tasks, including debugging existing PLC code developed by the overseas team and resolving electrical PLC issues in automation systems. Apply hardware controls knowledge, when available, to support electrical system design and troubleshooting. Design the overall architecture of electrical control systems, including the development of electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials, when hardware experience is applicable. Develop and debug PLC programs, including control logic, motion control, and communication protocols for modular machines and material handling equipment. Develop PC-based control software and implement real-time data acquisition and control for automated systems. Design and develop HMI interfaces to provide intuitive operator interaction with the equipment. Configure and support SCADA systems for supervisory monitoring, data collection, and system control. Participate actively in on-site installation and commissioning activities at customer locations, including system bring-up, tuning, and validation. Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during build, commissioning, and production support phases, using appropriate debugging tools and methodologies. Support customer buyoff activities by demonstrating system performance, addressing issues, and ensuring that all functional requirements are met. After customer buyoff, coordinate system tear down and shipment to customer sites in the United States, including locations such as Texas and other domestic facilities. Support system installation at customer sites over an estimated 4-6 week period, working closely with build and install teams. Provide ongoing production support at customer sites as needed, returning periodically to address issues and collaborating with additional personnel dedicated to approximately six months of production support. Collaborate closely with other controls engineers and multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure integrated system performance. Interface directly with customers, communicating technical information clearly, managing expectations, and maintaining strong professional relationships. Demonstrate high character, reliability, and professionalism in all interactions with internal teams and customers, contributing positively to the project and company culture. Essential Skills At least 5 years of experience with controls engineering focused on PLC-based automation. At least 5 years of experience debugging PLC programs and resolving electrical PLC issues in automated systems. At least 5 years of experience working on material handling equipment, modular machines, robotics, or vision systems. Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley platforms and related controls technologies. Proficiency with debugging tools and methods for diagnosing and correcting control system issues. Previous automation experience, including design, implementation, or support of automated equipment. Ability to travel internationally to China and/or Taiwan for training and build support, and to travel domestically to customer sites for commissioning and installation. Experience providing customer-facing support, including participation in system buyoff and post-installation issue resolution. Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team and interact professionally with customers. Demonstrated integrity and high character in professional settings, with a commitment to quality and accountability. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience designing the overall architecture of electrical control systems, including electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials. Experience with PC-based control systems and real-time data acquisition and control. Experience designing and developing HMI interfaces and configuring SCADA systems. Robot programming or integration experience. Vision system integration or troubleshooting experience. Experience in non-automotive industries such as electronics or life sciences. Comfort working in a diversified industrial environment that supports multiple markets and product lines. Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional and cross-cultural teams. Work Environment The Controls Engineer will work primarily at an engineering hub in Auburn Hills, collaborating with a small team of controls engineers and other engineering disciplines on system development. The role involves close interaction with build and install teams during on-site activities, both at the home facility and at customer locations. The position requires international travel to China and/or Taiwan for short-term training and build support, followed by domestic travel within the United States for commissioning, installation, and periodic production support. The environment centers on advanced modular machines, material handling equipment, robotics, and vision systems, with significant use of Allen-Bradley PLCs, PC-based controls, HMI, and SCADA technologies. Work may take place in engineering offices, lab environments, and customer production facilities, requiring adaptability to shop-floor and commissioning conditions alongside standard professional office attire as appropriate. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Auburn Hills, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $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 fully onsite position in Auburn Hills,MI.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 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.