Lead Controls Engineer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Controls Engineer provides technical expertise to optimize highly automated manufacturing equipment and processes through visual systems, automation, and advanced levels of process control.

This role develops, plans, organizes, and leads reliability and continuous improvement projects within the plant, while providing day-to-day technical support to Operations and Maintenance. Approximately 80% of the workload focuses on project-based controls engineering, with the remaining 20% dedicated to troubleshooting and resolving complex automation and control issues.

• Supportive work culture with opportunity for growth, training and professional development

• Combine theoretical and practical knowledge to innovate new processes and drive continuous process improvements.
• Work independently on smaller projects from conception through completion, including hands-on implementation and commissioning of solutions.
• Collaborate in cross-functional teams to support plant business goals and operational objectives.
• Thoroughly document all technical work, including designs, changes, testing, and results, in a clear and organized manner.
• Serve as a shared technical resource within production value streams to assist with complex problem solving and root cause analysis.
• Lead and contribute to continuous improvement and Six Sigma project teams focused on efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Support plant safety initiatives by actively participating in safety processes and integrating safety considerations into all engineering solutions.
• Support and lead plant industrial electrical systems, including troubleshooting and improving electrical infrastructure and controls.
• Lead and participate in process improvement activities with multi-discipline technical staff, maintenance personnel, and production teams.
• Mentor and coach employees to increase their knowledge of equipment, automation systems, and production processes.
• Work to eliminate waste through reliability improvements and by monitoring processes to ensure they remain in control and meet performance expectations.
• Provide technical support to Operations and Maintenance as needed, including on-the-floor troubleshooting of PLCs, HMIs, motors, drives, and robotics.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs and HMIs to support new equipment, upgrades, and process changes.
• Support and troubleshoot Fanuc robotic systems, including robot programming and integration with other automation systems.
• Analyze process and production data to define problems, determine effective solutions, and measure the success of implemented improvements.

• Experience working in manufacturing (preference is 5+ years)
• Proficient in Allen Bradley PLCs, HMIs and motors/drives
• Fanuc Robot programming experience
• Associates Degree in Engineering (would consider someone without a degree if they have 8+ years experience in similar role)
• Ability to analyze data to define problems, determine solutions, and measure successful implementation of solutions (verified by references)

"Nice to have" Skills & Qualifications

• Extrusion experience
• PLC programming from scratch
• Bachelor's degree in engineering

Working alongside three other controls engineers in the plant, forming a small, collaborative automation team.

First-shift role, typically running from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The dress code is casual, but the position is hands-on, and the engineer should expect to get dirty while working directly on machines and equipment on the plant floor.

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

The pay range for this position is $52.88 - $62.50/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 KALAMAZOO,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 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 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.