Advanced Controls Engineer

Location: Warren, MI

Position Summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer to support the development, validation, and deployment of advanced manufacturing automation

systems used across production facilities. This role is based within the Engineering Center and focuses on creating and testing manufacturing controls

solutions before they are deployed to assembly and component plants. As a member of the manufacturing engineering team, you will

develop PLC software, motion control systems, robotic integrations, and safety architectures in a laboratory environment while collaborating with plant-based engineering teams to ensure production readiness and operational success.

This position offers the opportunity to work on next-generation manufacturing technologies, establish controls standards, and

provide technical expertise that impacts multiple facilities worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, test, and validate PLC applications utilizing the Beckhoff TwinCAT platform (Will train if needed).
• Develop controls architectures for automated manufacturing equipment, including motion systems, robotics, and machine safety functions.
• Build and validate manufacturing automation solutions in a laboratory environment prior to plant deployment.
• Support manufacturing facilities during equipment launches, commissioning, and production ramp-up activities.
• Diagnose software and hardware issues through structured troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Develop and maintain reusable controls standards, programming templates, and best practices for manufacturing applications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, robotics, controls, and equipment engineering teams to deliver robust automation solutions.
• Analyze system performance and implement continuous improvement initiatives to improve reliability, uptime, and maintainability.
• Provide technical support to production facilities and assist in resolving complex controls-related issues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience programming PLC-based manufacturing automation systems.
• Knowledge of Beckhoff TwinCAT controls platforms highly preferred.
• Python
• Understanding of industrial automation principles, machine controls, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience troubleshooting automation equipment and control systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with servo motion control systems.
• Robotic integration and commissioning experience.
• Knowledge of industrial safety systems and safety PLC programming.
• Familiarity with GM manufacturing controls standards and GCCS.
• Experience supporting manufacturing launches or commissioning activities.
• Understanding of industrial communication protocols and networked automation systems.

Work Environment

This role is primarily based within the Engineering Center and controls development laboratories rather than within a production plant.

Engineers work on the design, validation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing automation systems that support multiple facilities.

The position combines hands-on laboratory testing, software development, technical problem-solving, and collaboration with manufacturing

operations teams. Periodic travel to production facilities may be required to support equipment launches, commissioning efforts, and system troubleshooting.

Why Join This Team?

• Develop advanced manufacturing automation technologies.
• Work with robotics, motion control, and next-generation PLC platforms.
• Influence manufacturing systems deployed across multiple GM facilities.
• Gain exposure to manufacturing strategy, controls architecture, and production technology development.
• Collaborate with engineering teams responsible for the future of automotive manufacturing.

This position is ideal for engineers who enjoy designing and developing automation systems, solving complex technical challenges, and

supporting large-scale manufacturing operations from a central engineering environment.

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

The pay range for