Electrical Controls Engineer

Job Title: Electrical Controls Engineer
Job Description
This role focuses on designing, programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting electrical control systems, with a strong emphasis on PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs in heavy industrial environments. The Electrical Controls Engineer supports wastewater treatment and related industrial applications by developing control solutions, diagnosing electro-mechanical equipment, and collaborating closely with the electrical engineering team. The position offers extensive training on industry-specific technologies and provides a long-term career path in a supportive, development-focused culture.
Responsibilities

• Design, program, and commission electrical control systems for industrial applications, with a focus on wastewater treatment processes.
• Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of the wastewater treatment industry and stay current with evolving technologies and best practices.
• Develop and maintain familiarity with electrical control manufacturers' products, including PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and related components.
• Use electrical software such as RSLogix 5000, Modicon, and other PLC, HMI, and VFD configuration tools to program, configure, and troubleshoot control systems.
• Interpret and work from electrical schematics to diagnose issues, implement modifications, and ensure accurate system documentation.
• Perform PLC troubleshooting and ladder logic debugging to identify and resolve control system faults efficiently.
• Commission, test, and fine-tune automation systems to ensure proper operation, reliability, and compliance with project requirements.
• Work hands-on with heavy industrial equipment to install, inspect, and maintain control and instrumentation systems.
• Diagnose, repair, and support electro-mechanical ancillary equipment such as pumps and motors, valves and actuators, flowmeters, and VFDs.
• Use diagnostic equipment, including vibration analyzers, digital multimeters (DMMs), and other measuring devices, to log performance data and troubleshoot industrial instrumentation.
• Prepare clear and concise technical documentation, including reports, procedures, and system descriptions, using strong technical writing skills.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders to clarify requirements, explain technical issues, and provide status updates.
• Utilize Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to create documentation, reports, presentations, and project tracking materials.
• Work both independently and as part of the electrical engineering team to complete projects on time and within scope.
• Support reading and interpretation of specifications for municipal and industrial projects, ensuring that control system designs meet project and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in continuous improvement efforts to enhance system reliability, safety, and performance across control and automation platforms.
• Travel as needed to job sites or customer facilities using a company-approved vehicle and maintain an insurable driving record.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in PLC programming and electrical design.
• Proficiency with PLC programming and configuration, including experience with RSLogix 5000 and Modicon or comparable PLC platforms.
• Strong experience in PLC troubleshooting, including ladder logic analysis and fault diagnosis.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from electrical schematics and related technical drawings.
• Hands-on experience with automation and controls engineering, including commissioning and troubleshooting industrial control systems.
• Experience configuring and maintaining HMIs and VFDs in industrial environments.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to diagnose and repair electro-mechanical equipment such as pumps, motors, valves, actuators, flowmeters, and VFDs.
• Ability to use diagnostic tools such as vibration analyzers, digital multimeters (DMMs), and other measuring instruments for troubleshooting and performance logging.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong technical writing skills for preparing documentation, reports, and procedures.
• Effective verbal communication skills for interacting with engineering teams, operations personnel, and other stakeholders.
• Valid driver's license with an insurable driving record.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment background check and drug screening, as required by company policy.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and related technologies.
• Experience working in or supporting municipal (government) and industrial projects.
• Ability to read and interpret project specifications for municipal and industrial applications.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms.
• Familiarity with ladder logic programming standards and best practices.
• Experience with automation systems integration and commissioning in heavy industrial settings.
• Exposure to industrial instrumentation and control systems in process environments.
• Interest in long-term career development within the wastewater treatment and industrial controls field.

Work Environment
The Electrical Controls Engineer works closely with the electrical engineering team in a collaborative, project-focused environment. The role involves both office-based engineering tasks, such as programming, documentation, and design work, and field-based activities, including commissioning, troubleshooting, and hands-on work with heavy industrial equipment. The position supports wastewater treatment and industrial facilities, where you will interact with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, and a variety of electro-mechanical and instrumentation equipment. The organization emphasizes a strong, supportive culture and invests significant time in training employees on industry-specific technologies, with the goal of fostering long-term careers and professional growth.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kenosha, WI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $50.00/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:
• 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 Kenosha,WI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 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.


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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.