Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer provides technical expertise to optimize highly automated manufacturing equipment and processes through visual systems, automation, and advanced process control. This role develops, plans, organizes, and leads reliability and improvement projects in the plant, while providing hands-on technical support to Operations and Maintenance. The position plays a key part in driving process innovation, enhancing equipment reliability, and supporting a safe, efficient, and highly automated production environment.

Responsibilities

• Combine theoretical and practical engineering knowledge to innovate new processes and drive process improvements in a highly automated manufacturing environment.
• Work independently on smaller projects from conception through completion, including hands-on work on equipment and systems.
• Collaborate in cross-functional teams to support business goals and objectives, partnering closely with operations, maintenance, and technical staff.
• Thoroughly document all technical work, including designs, changes, troubleshooting steps, and project outcomes.
• Serve as a shared technical resource within the production value streams to assist with complex problem solving and root cause analysis.
• Lead and/or contribute to continuous improvement and Six Sigma project teams focused on quality, reliability, and efficiency improvements.
• Support plant safety initiatives through active involvement in safety processes and adherence to safe work practices.
• Support and lead activities related to plant industrial electrical systems, including troubleshooting and improvements.
• Lead and participate in process improvement efforts with multi-disciplinary technical staff, maintenance, and production teams.
• Mentor and coach employees to increase their knowledge of equipment, controls, and processes.
• Work to eliminate waste by driving reliability improvements and monitoring processes to ensure they are in control and meeting performance expectations.
• Provide technical support to operations and maintenance as needed, including troubleshooting PLCs, drives, motors, and robotic systems.
• Apply data analysis to define problems, determine effective solutions, and measure the success of implemented improvements.

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment, with a preference for 5+ years in a similar role.
• Proficiency with PLCs, including programming, troubleshooting, and supporting industrial control systems.
• Experience with HMIs and the ability to configure, troubleshoot, and support operator interface systems.
• Strong knowledge of motors and drives, including setup, tuning, and troubleshooting in an industrial setting.
• Hands-on Fanuc robot programming experience, including setup, programming, and optimization of robotic cells.
• Ability to analyze process and performance data to define problems, identify root causes, determine solutions, and measure successful implementation.
• Associate’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent experience; candidates without a degree will be considered with 8+ years of relevant experience in a similar controls or automation role.
• Experience with process control in manufacturing environments.
• PLC programming experience supporting automated production equipment.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of cross-functional teams.
• Strong documentation skills for recording technical work, changes, and project results.

• Extrusion experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience with aluminum processing or other metals manufacturing is beneficial.
• Exposure to Six Sigma or other structured continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience mentoring or training technicians and operators on equipment and processes.
• Comfort working in a highly automated environment with robotics, extrusion, and casting equipment.

The role is based at a large, approximately 480,000 square foot facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan that focuses on processing and distributing aluminum products rather than primary aluminum smelting. The site produces and finishes common alloy aluminum products such as sheet, plate, and related semi-fabricated forms used for downstream manufacturing. It supports general engineering, automotive, industrial, medical device, consumer, and construction-related applications, supplying customers that machine, form, or fabricate aluminum into finished components. The facility operates as part of a broader fabricated products and distribution network, complementing larger rolling mills and extrusion sites in other regions. The environment is very clean and highly automated, with extrusion and casting machines that reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees, requiring consistent attention to safety and proper procedures. The Controls Engineer will be one of four controls engineers on site, working closely with operations, maintenance, and technical teams. This is a first-shift position, typically working from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The dress code is casual, with the expectation of getting dirty and working directly on machines and equipment. Employees receive 10 days of paid time off, 6 standard holidays, and access to online training resources such as Udemy after 6 months of employment. The position typically begins on a contract basis with a plan to convert to a direct role around 12 months, although conversion timing can vary; the contract work is stable, and some consultants have remained in this capacity for extended periods. The company culture emphasizes a supportive environment with strong technical challenges, a variety of work, and opportunities for ongoing training and development.

Job Type & Location

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 May 8, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.