Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

Automation Controls Engineer / Autonomous Material Flow Systems

Position Summary

Actalent is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer to support the development, deployment, and adoption of Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV) solutions across manufacturing facilities. This role will serve as a technical leader within the central automation organization, responsible for

developing standardized AGV integration architectures, validating system performance, and partnering with plant engineering teams to implement

autonomous material handling solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and operational performance. The ideal candidate combines strong controls engineering expertise with a deep understanding of manufacturing operations and material flow. Success in this role requires the ability to integrate AGV systems with existing plant automation infrastructure while demonstrating measurable business value to manufacturing stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

AGV Solution Development & Deployment

• Develop and standardize AGV integration solutions for deployment across manufacturing facilities.
• Design control and communication interfaces between AGVs and plant automation systems.
• Support AGV commissioning, startup, validation, and production launch activities.
• Evaluate material flow processes and identify opportunities for autonomous vehicle implementation.
• Analyze system performance and recommend improvements to maximize fleet utilization and operational efficiency.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of vehicle, network, and controls-related issues.

Controls Engineering

• Develop and maintain PLC and HMI applications supporting AGV operations and associated infrastructure.
• Integrate AGV systems with manufacturing execution systems, conveyors, robotics, vision systems, traceability platforms, and plant controls.
• Validate sensors, I/O devices, safety systems, and communication networks.
• Design and implement interlock logic between AGVs and production equipment.
• Support Ethernet/IP and industrial network communication troubleshooting.

Manufacturing Systems Integration

• Ensure AGV solutions align with controls architecture and automation standards.
• Coordinate interfaces between AGV systems and production equipment including robotics, vision inspection systems, torque systems, and assembly operations.
• Support plant teams in integrating AGV solutions into existing manufacturing processes.
• Develop operational procedures, fault recovery strategies, and maintenance support methods.

Validation & Commissioning

• Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) activities.
• Verify system functionality, safety compliance, and production readiness.
• Develop test plans and validation procedures for AGV deployments.
• Support production trials and launch activities at manufacturing locations.

Internal Customer Support

• Partner with plant manufacturing, controls, operations, and maintenance teams to evaluate AGV opportunities.
• Present technical solutions and business cases supporting AGV adoption.
• Demonstrate operational benefits including labor efficiency, safety improvements, and material flow optimization.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for autonomous material handling systems.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with PLC programming and industrial controls systems.
• Experience developing and supporting HMI applications.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking and fieldbus communications.
• Experience with startup, commissioning, FAT, and SAT activities.
• Knowledge of machine safety systems, safety devices, and risk mitigation practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, and controls-related issues.
• Experience working within automotive manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with controls standards including GCCS / GCCHS
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating AGVs, AMRs, or automated material handling systems.
• Experience with Fanuc robotics and collaborative robot applications.
• Experience with Cognex, Keyence, or iRVision systems.
• Knowledge of manufacturing traceability and production data systems.
• Experience implementing poka-yoke and automated quality verification systems.
• Familiarity with fleet management, vehicle dispatching, and autonomous material flow concepts.
• Experience supporting multi-plant manufacturing deployments.

This is a Contract position based out of Warren, MI.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $65.00/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 fully onsite position in Warren,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 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 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.