Manufacturing Controls Engineer Jobs in Detroit, MI

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This Controls Engineer role focuses on developing and deploying device-level analytics solutions for manufacturing operations. You will leverage PLC-based data collection and Python-based analytics to identify emerging equipment issues, reduce downtime, and enable proactive maintenance actions. The position centers on creating software applications that collect and analyze data from production equipment across multiple manufacturing plants, generating insights into throughput, efficiency, performance, and other key operational metrics.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and deploy PLC logic to collect critical operational data from manufacturing equipment while ensuring minimal disruption to production.
• Analyze, understand, and troubleshoot existing PLC programs and machine control logic to improve reliability and performance.
• Extract operational and diagnostic data from existing PLC programs and manufacturing systems to support device-level analytics.
• Modify, update, test, and deploy PLC code on live equipment, maintaining safe and continuous operations.
• Design, develop, validate, and standardize controls device data parsing PLC logic to support analytics and reporting.
• Own and update automated PLC logic generation tools to streamline deployment and configuration across multiple plants.
• Develop PLC logic for Rockwell, Siemens, and Fanuc platforms, integrating with programming languages such as Python and C++ where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with common controls hardware and software strategies when implementing new device-level analytics controls solutions.
• Ensure adherence to plant floor systems, networking, and cybersecurity requirements in all controls and analytics implementations.
• Collaborate with core analytics teams, business stakeholders, IT, automation specialists, and the broader analytics community to capture requirements, prioritize initiatives, and plan deployments.
• Support controls, networks, and IT architects in developing and testing necessary controls software and integrating device-level analytics logic into core PLC templates.
• Create and maintain training documents, standardized work instructions, and reference materials to support consistent implementation and knowledge transfer.
• Monitor and understand the latest industry trends in advanced analytics tools and explore opportunities to apply them in manufacturing environments.
• Review observations from manufacturing plants, propose improvement solutions, and provide feedback to enhance device-level analytics strategies.
• Provide training, guidance, and support to controls execution teams, strategic suppliers, and plant personnel as needed during deployments and upgrades.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities on an as-needed basis to support pilots, testing, training, upgrades, and commissioning of analytics and controls solutions.
• Connect Python-based analytics solutions to plant equipment, validate data collection processes, and ensure successful implementation within production environments.

Essential Skills

• 2+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing automation.
• Experience working in automotive powertrain manufacturing environments such as propulsion systems facilities, engine plants, or similar operations.
• Strong hands-on PLC programming experience, including Siemens PLC programming using STEP 7 and TIA Portal.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation (Allen-Bradley) PLCs, including troubleshooting and debugging.
• At least 1 year of Allen-Bradley PLC experience, which may include academic or project-based work.
• Intermediate-level Python programming skills, including data extraction, data analysis, and automation scripting.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, modify, and deploy PLC logic on live production equipment.
• Ability to travel as needed to manufacturing plants across the United States.
• Ability to work primarily from a technical center location while coordinating activities with multiple plant sites.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in automotive OEM or Tier-1 supplier environments.
• Experience working with automation integrators such as GROB, KUKA, Comau, or Valiant.
• Familiarity with Fanuc controls and PLC platforms.
• Experience developing PLC logic that interfaces with higher-level programming languages such as Python and C++.
• Understanding of common controls hardware and software strategies and standards used in large manufacturing organizations.
• Knowledge of plant floor systems, industrial networking, and cybersecurity requirements.
• Ability to create clear training documents and standardized work instructions for technical audiences.
• Interest in and awareness of the latest industry trends in advanced analytics tools and manufacturing data solutions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to propose practical improvement solutions based on observations from manufacturing plants.
• Comfort with supporting pilots, tests, trainings, and system upgrades in active production environments.

Work Environment

This role is primarily based at a technical center in Warren, Michigan, where most software development and analytics platform design work is performed. The position involves working closely with manufacturing and engineering teams in an office and lab environment, with regular interaction with plant floor equipment and controls systems. You will travel several times per month, typically 2–3 days, to manufacturing sites across the United States to integrate Python-based analytics software into production machines, support commissioning, and validate data collection. The work environment includes exposure to industrial automation technologies such as Siemens, Rockwell (Allen-Bradley), and Fanuc PLCs, as well as plant floor systems, industrial networks, and cybersecurity-controlled infrastructures. Travel days may involve time on the production floor, where appropriate safety and attire guidelines are followed according to plant standards.

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

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $44.00/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 Detroit,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 9, 2026.

About Actalent

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