Electrical Engineer
Actalent - Grand Rapids, MI
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Job Title: Electrical EngineerJob Description The Electrical Engineer designs and implements electrical control systems for custom automation projects with minimal supervision. This role spans the full project lifecycle from concept through commissioning and requires strong technical expertise, sound engineering judgment, and the ability to manage project deliverables independently. The Electrical Engineer develops PLC and HMI programs, supports in-house system builds, and provides light field support for installed automotive test systems. This position offers the opportunity to work on complex diagnostic, inspection, and test systems where performance, safety, and reliability are critical. Responsibilities + Design electrical control systems for custom automation projects with minimal supervision, ensuring safe, reliable, and maintainable solutions. + Plan, organize, and execute project deliverables from concept through commissioning using experience and independent engineering judgment. + Develop, test, and debug PLC programs for machine control systems, primarily using Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms. + Create, configure, and support HMI applications for operator interfaces and machine diagnostics. + Support manufacturing and in-house system builds by providing accurate documentation, clarifications, and hands-on technical assistance. + Provide light field support and troubleshooting for installed automotive test systems, including remote and occasional on-site assistance as needed. + Create and maintain complete and accurate electrical schematic print sets for all assigned projects. + Develop and maintain detailed and accurate bills of material (BOMs) for electrical and control system components. + Apply knowledge of variable frequency drives (VFDs) in the design and integration of motion and motor control solutions. + Incorporate basic industrial networking concepts into system designs to ensure robust communication between devices and control systems. + Utilize basic knowledge of pneumatics and hydraulics when integrating these systems into automated equipment. + Use AutoCAD or EPLAN to produce, update, and revise electrical design drawings and documentation. + Prepare and maintain project documentation, including design notes, configuration records, and technical reports. + Collaborate effectively with internal engineering, manufacturing, and project teams to ensure successful project outcomes. + Work directly with external customers to understand requirements, address technical questions, and support system acceptance. + Communicate technical information clearly and professionally to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, using tact and diplomacy. + Manage time and tasks effectively, maintaining strong organization and attention to detail across multiple projects. + Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by sharing ideas, best practices, and lessons learned from completed projects. Essential Skills + Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) with an emphasis on controls or systems design, or demonstrable equivalent knowledge of electrical and control system concepts. + Minimum of 5 years of relevant electrical engineering experience in controls or automation (5+ years preferred). + Hands-on experience with variable frequency drives (VFDs) in industrial or automation applications. + Proven PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley platforms. + Proven PLC programming experience with Siemens platforms. + Proficiency using AutoCAD or EPLAN for electrical design and schematic development. + Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications for documentation, analysis, and communication. + Basic understanding of industrial networking concepts and their application in automation systems. + Basic knowledge of pneumatics and hydraulics as they relate to automated machinery and test systems. + Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when managing documentation, drawings, and project tasks. + Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting project deadlines and quality standards. + Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment and contribute to shared project goals. + Excellent verbal and written communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Additional Skills & Qualifications + Familiarity with additional PLC platforms such as Mitsubishi, GE, Omron, or others. + Experience working with automotive industry diagnostic, inspection, or test systems. + Experience supporting in-house system builds and commissioning activities. + Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and diplomatically to customers and colleagues. + Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects or tasks concurrently while maintaining quality. + Interest in working on high-performance, safety-critical, and reliability-focused systems. Work Environment The role focuses on designing, building, and supporting complex diagnostic, inspection, and test systems in environments where performance, safety, and reliability are paramount. Work is primarily performed on-site in an engineering and manufacturing setting, with close collaboration between design and build teams. The position involves no regular travel. There is potential for a hybrid work schedule after demonstrating reliability and earning the trust of leadership, allowing some flexibility between on-site and remote work. The Electrical Engineer works with modern engineering tools such as AutoCAD or EPLAN, PLC and HMI development environments, and standard office productivity software. The environment emphasizes professional collaboration, careful attention to detail, and a strong commitment to delivering robust, high-quality automation and test solutions. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Grand Rapids, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $110000.00/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: u2022 Medical, dental & vision u2022 Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital u2022 401(k) Retirement Plan u2013 Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available u2022 Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) u2022 Short and long-term disability u2022 Health Spending Account (HSA) u2022 Transportation benefits u2022 Employee Assistance Program u2022 Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Grand Rapids,MI. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 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, weu2019ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APACu2014with 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 .
Created: 2026-05-04