Senior Controls Engineer I

Job Title: Sr. Controls Engineer I

Job Description

As a Sr. Controls Engineer I, you will be responsible for designing control systems for industrial material handling solutions. This role involves concepting new ideas, developing specifications and requirements, implementing proof of concepts and prototypes, performing high-level and detailed designing, and leading the transition to manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead in the concepting and design of products that add value and are a solution to customers and market needs.
• Lead and collaborate with others on the development team to develop products.
• Ensure products developed fit with current and future manufacturing operations.
• Ensure products developed meet competitive and market demands for performance and cost.
• Specify and develop a sequence of operations of automated equipment.
• Prepare schematics and specifications for control panel fabrication.
• Develop Programmable Logical Control (PLC) programs.
• Maintain product development schedules and cost estimates.
• Follow established engineering standards and best practices including software revision control.
• Perform prototype development and testing.
• Perform on-site beta testing to ensure safety, reliability, and other performance metrics are met.
• Investigate product issues in the field and determine root cause.
• Travel domestically up to 40% in North America, mostly within the Continental United States.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related engineering field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 6 years of related experience.
• Experience with sortation and conveyance equipment or robotics design.
• Experience with control software and tools.
• Knowledge of electrical and safety codes for machine and equipment design, including execution of risk assessments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of industrial automation systems, including HMI, SCADA, controls/controllers, and PLCs.
• Proficient with AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical or other similar electrical CAD systems such as EPlan.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead a team and accomplish project goals effectively.
• Ability to multi-task while maintaining attention to detail and deadlines.
• Team-oriented and collaborative.
• Creative-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn new technologies.
• Self-motivated.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours.
• Proficient with safety PLCs.
• Experience with ESOPs.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.

Work Environment

This position offers a hybrid work environment, providing flexibility and opportunities for both remote and in-office work.

This is a Permanent position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

The pay range for this position is $125000.00 - $135000.00/yr.

3 Weeks PTO, 7 sick days, 2 floating holidays, 401k with a match (4%) and HSA/FSA program if they choose the plan that includes this, eligible for benefits day 1

This is a hybrid position in Grand Rapids,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 23, 2025.

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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.