Electrical Controls Engineer

Job Title: Electrical Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Electrical Controls Engineer designs, programs, and supports automation and control systems within a manufacturing environment. This role focuses on troubleshooting and editing PLC programs for plant machinery and contributing to the development and maintenance of an operational technology framework that will support the facility's next generation of automation.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, modify, and optimize PLC programs for a variety of plant machinery to ensure reliable and efficient operation.

• Program, configure, and maintain PLCs from major platforms such as Siemens and ControlLogix, as well as other PLC systems.

• Participate in building out and enhancing an operational technology framework for the plant, contributing to architecture, standards, and best practices.

• Support and maintain existing operational technology systems, including automation, SCADA, and related industrial control infrastructure.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing/industrial environment to identify automation needs and implement control solutions.

• Integrate robotics and other automated equipment into plant control systems, ensuring proper communication and functionality.

• Diagnose and resolve control system issues quickly to minimize downtime and maintain production schedules.

• Document control logic, system changes, and configuration updates in a clear and organized manner.

• Provide guidance and technical support to operations and maintenance personnel on PLC and automation-related issues.

• Participate in occasional on-call support, including remote troubleshooting or onsite visits as needed, to resolve issues outside of regular working hours.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of hands-on experience working with PLCs, including platforms such as Siemens and ControlLogix.

• Strong PLC troubleshooting and programming skills in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

• Experience with automation and control systems, including PLCs, SCADA, and operational technology.

• Background in robotics integration and support within industrial automation systems.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain and support an operational technology framework.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Automation, or a related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience helping to design or build an operational technology framework from the ground up.

• Familiarity with industrial networking and communication protocols used in automation and control systems.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex control system issues.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

• Clear and concise communication skills for collaborating with engineering, operations, and maintenance personnel.

Work Environment

This is a full-time onsite role in a manufacturing/industrial facility, working Monday through Friday, typically from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility to adjust hours (such as arriving early and leaving early, or arriving later and staying later) as needed. The environment is hands-on and production-focused, with regular interaction with machinery, robotics, PLCs, and other automation and control equipment. The role may require being on call approximately once a month to support troubleshooting outside of standard hours, which may be handled remotely or through an onsite visit. The facility is established, stable, and focused on building a strong, long-term team with low turnover and a culture where many employees spend their careers and retire from the organization.

Interested in learning more? Schedule a meeting with Recruiter, Vicky Glass, using this link:

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chesapeake, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $57.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Chesapeake,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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 click.appcast.io 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.