Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes a ferromagnetic plate and an electromagnet, both of which have adjacent surfaces with corresponding sloped facets that define a non-uniform gap. A nominal spacing of the gap is maintained by elastomer, preferably located within the gap. The gap spacing between corresponding sloped facets is substantially less than for other portions of the gap and favors flow of magnetic flux. In one embodiment, multiple parallel-connected electromagnets are magnetically coupled to the same faceted ferromagnetic plate such that sloped facets of the various electromagnets and corresponding or matching sloped facets of the ferromagnetic plate are oriented in different directions. A weighted average of the coil currents of the electromagnets determines the net translation of the ferromagnetic plate. The actuators are used in vibration control systems.