Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Entry-Level Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, programming, and supporting electrical control systems for industrial machinery. The Controls Engineer develops detailed electrical schematics, programs PLCs and HMIs, and ensures that machines are built, tested, and operate in accordance with customer requirements and industry standards. The position suits a hands-on, detail-oriented professional who enjoys supporting projects from initial design through production, including troubleshooting and customer support.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical control systems for industrial machinery, ensuring alignment with customer specifications and industry standards.
• Create, update, and maintain electrical schematics and panel layouts using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Program and configure PLCs, including Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms, to control automated equipment and processes.
• Develop and implement HMI applications to provide intuitive operator interfaces and machine control.
• Own the electrical bill of materials (BOM), including component selection, documentation, and updates throughout the project lifecycle.
• Perform full system troubleshooting, including PLCs, drives, and industrial networks, to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently.
• Support machine build and testing activities, ensuring systems operate safely, reliably, and as designed.
• Provide technical support during commissioning and production, including on-site or remote troubleshooting as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration of electrical controls with mechanical and software systems.
• Document designs, changes, and test results clearly to support future maintenance and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in PLC programming, with experience in Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLCs.
• Strong electrical design skills, including schematic design and panel layout.
• Hands-on experience with HMI development for industrial machinery.
• Ability to perform full system troubleshooting across PLCs, drives, and industrial networks.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical for creating and modifying schematics and panel drawings.
• Ownership of electrical bill of materials (BOM), including component selection and documentation.
• Engineering degree.
• At least 2 years of direct engineering experience in a relevant controls or automation role.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to design and troubleshooting.
• Ability to support projects from design through production, including testing and customer support.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with industrial machinery and automated equipment.
• Familiarity with industry standards and best practices for electrical controls and safety.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to diagnose complex system issues.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and supporting customers.
• Comfort working in a hands-on environment, including time spent on the production floor during build and test activities.

Work Environment

The Controls Engineer works in a mixed office and industrial environment, spending time both at a workstation for design and programming and on the shop floor during machine build, testing, and troubleshooting. The role involves regular use of tools such as AutoCAD Electrical, PLC programming software for Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms, and HMI development environments. Work may include periods of focused design work as well as hands-on interaction with electrical panels, control cabinets, and machinery during commissioning and support. The position typically follows standard full-time hours, with flexibility required at times to support testing, troubleshooting, and customer needs.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Canton, OH.

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $48.08/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:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in North Canton,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 8, 2026.

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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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 process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.