Controls Engineer

This role offers an opportunity for a hands-on Controls Project Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of Siemens-based automation systems for custom machinery and industrial equipment. You will own the full controls lifecycle, from gathering requirements and defining system architecture through programming, testing, commissioning, and customer startup support. Working closely with mechanical engineers, electrical build teams, project managers, assembly personnel, and service technicians, you will deliver reliable, safe, and high-performing automation solutions tailored to customer needs.

• Gather and interpret customer requirements, project specifications, and applicable industry standards to define the controls scope and develop detailed functional specifications, control narratives, sequences of operation, I/O lists, alarm strategies, and system recovery procedures.
• Design Siemens-based control architectures, including PLCs, HMIs, distributed I/O, safety controls, industrial networking, variable speed drives, and integration with robotics and machine vision systems.
• Create, review, and update electrical documentation such as schematics, panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and installation drawings to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance with standards.
• Select appropriate controls hardware and develop bills of material, balancing performance, maintainability, budget constraints, and project timelines.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot Siemens PLC and HMI applications using TIA Portal and related software platforms, including programming from scratch when required.
• Perform system testing, including I/O verification, machine debugging, software validation, and formal acceptance testing to ensure systems meet functional and safety requirements.
• Support machine startup, commissioning, installation, and production launch activities at customer facilities, providing on-site technical support and adjustments as needed.
• Coordinate technical activities and deliverables with customers, vendors, and cross-functional engineering teams to maintain alignment on requirements, schedules, and technical solutions.
• Maintain complete and organized project documentation, including software backups, training materials, and final deliverables to support long-term system maintenance and upgrades.
• Develop and follow commissioning procedures and automation best practices to improve consistency, quality, and efficiency across projects.
• Act as a self-sufficient, customer-facing engineer who can independently manage tasks, communicate progress, and represent the engineering team professionally during on-site visits and remote interactions.

• Minimum of 3 years of hands-on Siemens controls experience, including PLC programming, HMI development, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Proven experience in PLC programming from scratch in Siemens environments, including configuration and integration of hardware and software components.
• Experience supporting industrial automation, custom machinery, or systems integration projects from concept through implementation.
• Ability to develop complete controls solutions from initial concept and architecture through implementation, testing, and validation.
• Associate degree in a technical discipline or equivalent technical experience; a strong foundation in electrical or controls engineering principles.
• Knowledge of electrical controls and industrial automation systems, including familiarity with hydraulic and pneumatic systems and machine integration.
• Experience selecting controls components and developing bills of material while balancing technical requirements with budget and schedule constraints.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve controls, electrical, and automation issues in both office and field environments.
• Effective communication and project coordination skills, with the ability to work closely with cross-functional teams and customer representatives.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and a self-sufficient working style, including comfort with customer-facing responsibilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed to support machine startups, installations, commissioning activities, and customer acceptance testing.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation, or a related field is preferred.
• Allen-Bradley PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting experience is highly desirable.
• Industrial robot integration and programming experience, particularly with platforms such as Fanuc and ABB.
• Experience integrating machine vision systems into automated machinery and production lines.
• Background in developing engineering standards, reusable software templates, and commissioning procedures to promote consistency and reusability across projects.
• Experience contributing to or defining automation best practices for controls design, programming, and commissioning.
• Comfort working with robotics and advanced automation technologies in a production or custom machinery environment.
• Interest in long-term opportunities that may include participation in employee ownership programs and travel-related incentives once in a direct role.

This role supports custom machinery and industrial automation projects that require both office-based engineering work and on-site customer support. You will typically travel approximately 20–30% of the time, often on cycles such as about 12 days on the road followed by a short break, with most travel concentrated in the Midwest (including states such as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois) and occasional trips to other regions. Travel schedules and arrangements are planned in advance, with all travel-related expenses covered and a daily per diem provided while on the road. On-site work involves supporting machine installations, startups, commissioning, and customer acceptance testing in industrial environments, collaborating closely with mechanical, electrical, and service teams. The position offers a professional engineering setting with modern automation tools and equipment, including Siemens TIA Portal and related platforms, robotics, and vision systems, as well as the potential for additional travel-related premiums and employee ownership benefits in a direct employment arrangement.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Traverse City, MI.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 fully onsite position in Traverse City,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.