Controls Engineer Jobs in Big Rapids, MI (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Controls Engineer serves as a technical leader responsible for designing, implementing, supporting, and improving advanced automation systems across manufacturing operations. This role focuses on intelligent systems, automated equipment, connected manufacturing, and innovative technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, reliability, and performance. The Senior Controls Engineer leads projects from concept through commissioning, establishes engineering standards, troubleshoots complex production issues, and drives Industry 4.0 and Industrial IoT initiatives while partnering closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, IT, and external vendors to improve manufacturing performance and reliability.

• Lead controls engineering efforts for new equipment, automation upgrades, and existing production systems across manufacturing operations.
• Design, program, commission, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, vision, and robotic systems to support safe and efficient production.
• Drive root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for issues impacting safety, quality, uptime, and productivity.
• Define project scopes, technical requirements, and acceptance criteria for automation and controls projects.
• Support equipment startups, installations, and ongoing production operations, ensuring stable and reliable performance.
• Develop and maintain controls standards, documentation, and best practices for automation systems.
• Lead system architecture reviews and equipment standardization initiatives to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Manage controls documentation, backups, version control, and lifecycle planning for automation assets.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to automation hardware and software platforms to enhance performance and maintainability.
• Lead smart manufacturing and Industrial IoT initiatives that enable connected manufacturing and data-driven decision making.
• Implement solutions involving data collection, edge computing, industrial networking, and integration with enterprise systems.
• Support technologies such as OPC UA, MQTT, MES connectivity, data historians, and other digital manufacturing tools.
• Develop procedures that support scalable deployment and long-term sustainability of connected manufacturing systems.
• Ensure cybersecurity, compliance, and proper management of manufacturing data in operational technology environments.
• Lead initiatives focused on reducing downtime and improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Drive projects that improve reliability, reduce cost, and increase operational efficiency across automation systems.
• Support compliance with customer requirements and internal manufacturing standards related to controls and automation.
• Champion continuous improvement across automation systems, processes, and engineering practices.
• Support operational technology cybersecurity initiatives and promote secure industrial networking practices.
• Ensure appropriate access controls, remote connectivity practices, and disaster recovery considerations for controls systems.
• Maintain compliance with machine safety and controls-related safety requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to controls engineers and technicians, fostering skill development and best practices.
• Lead technical reviews and promote standardized engineering approaches across cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, IT, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to align automation solutions with business needs.
• Serve as a primary technical contact for vendors, integrators, and customers regarding controls and automation topics.
• Design, deploy, and support Industrial IoT solutions including data acquisition, edge computing, industrial networking, and enterprise system integration within assigned regions or divisions.

• Strong background in Industry 4.0, Industrial IoT, and connected manufacturing technologies.
• Hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial robotics, and machine automation.
• Proficiency in designing, programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting PLC, HMI, SCADA, vision, and robotic systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Profibus, Modbus, and OPC UA.
• Experience with cloud-based IoT platforms, edge devices, MQTT, OPC UA, and enterprise-level system integrations.
• Knowledge of operational technology cybersecurity concepts including firewalls, VLANs, industrial network segmentation, and disaster recovery.
• Programming or scripting experience with tools such as Python, SQL, Ignition, Visual Basic, or similar technologies.
• Proven ability to lead complex automation projects from design through implementation and commissioning.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve complex issues involving controls systems, software, networks, and equipment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in controls, automation, or manufacturing engineering.
• Demonstrated success supporting manufacturing environments, equipment startups, commissioning efforts, and plant-floor troubleshooting.
• Strong leadership abilities with a track record of influencing engineering standards and best practices.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Controls, or Automation Engineering, or equivalent experience of 10+ years in a related field.
• Experience leading Industrial IoT initiatives within manufacturing divisions or regions.
• Experience defining project scopes, technical requirements, and acceptance criteria for automation projects.
• background in developing and maintaining controls standards, documentation, and lifecycle plans.
• Experience with MES connectivity, data historians, and other digital manufacturing tools.
• Ability to manage version control, backups, and documentation for complex controls systems.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, IT, Quality, and Supply Chain.
• Comfort serving as a primary technical contact for external vendors, system integrators, and customers.
• Demonstrated ability to champion continuous improvement initiatives in automation and manufacturing environments.

The role operates in a modern manufacturing and industrial automation environment that emphasizes intelligent systems, connected equipment, and advanced Industry 4.0 technologies. The Senior Controls Engineer works closely on the plant floor and in engineering and office settings, interacting with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, robotics, vision systems, and industrial networks. The environment includes collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners, as well as engagement with cloud-based IoT platforms, edge devices, and enterprise integration tools. Work involves a mix of hands-on equipment interaction, system design and programming, troubleshooting in production areas, and project leadership activities in a professional engineering setting.

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

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/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 Newaygo,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 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.

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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.