Senior Controls Engineer

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

• 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.

• 6+ years as a controls engineer
• PLC Programming (allen bradley)
• AutoCAD Electrical experience (read/edit)
• Robotics programming (fanuc/ABB)

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 workspaces and large monitors designed to support detailed engineering and programming tasks.

Casual attire is appropriate in the primary facility.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

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)

This is a hybrid position in Grand Rapids,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 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 ... 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.