An electromagnetic solenoid actuator comprises a ferromagnetic core and a ferromagnetic plunger. The ferromagnetic core supports a plurality of windings, and is oriented along an axis. The ferromagnetic plunger is aligned axially with the ferromagnetic core, and is translatable along the axis to vary a width of an air gap separating the ferromagnetic plunger from the ferromagnetic core. The ferromagnetic plunger and the ferromagnetic core overlap axially at a flux bypass that provides an alternative flux path that diverts increasing flux away from the air gap as the width of air gap decreases.