Controls Tech

Job Title: Controls Engineer / Automation Field Service Engineer Job Description
This role focuses on providing expert electrical and controls engineering support for the installation, startup, commissioning, and optimization of automated manufacturing equipment at customer sites. You will serve as a technical authority on Siemens-based automation systems and industrial controls, troubleshoot complex issues across multiple disciplines, and ensure that advanced manufacturing systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently.
Responsibilities

• Provide electrical and controls engineering support for the installation, startup, commissioning, and optimization of automated manufacturing equipment at customer facilities.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for Siemens PLCs, Siemens 840D NC Controllers, Siemens WinCC HMI systems, motion control systems, sensors, electromechanical devices, and integrated automation systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, CNC, and automation-related issues on machine tools, industrial robotics, and automated manufacturing systems.
• Support machine commissioning, production launches, and system integration activities, ensuring seamless integration of controls, motion, and automation components.
• Travel to customer sites to provide startup assistance, troubleshooting, maintenance support, and technical expertise for industrial automation equipment.
• Analyze system performance and recommend improvements to enhance equipment reliability, throughput, and overall efficiency.
• Maintain detailed service reports, troubleshooting records, and technical documentation that accurately capture work performed and system status.
• Collaborate closely with customers, vendors, and internal engineering teams to ensure successful project execution and high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation to diagnose issues and implement effective solutions.
• Use precision measuring tools such as calipers, dial indicators, and related inspection equipment to support mechanical and electrical troubleshooting.
• Support multiple shifts when needed, including weekends and extended hours, to meet customer production and commissioning schedules.
• Work safely on aerial platforms and at elevated heights while performing installation, inspection, and troubleshooting tasks.
• Lift and move materials or equipment weighing up to 40 lbs and perform standing, walking, climbing stairs, and other physical activities within manufacturing environments for extended periods.

Essential Skills

• Strong understanding of electrical controls, machine automation, motion control systems, robotics, and system integration.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting electrical control panels and industrial automation equipment in an industrial environment.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming and industrial networking concepts, with a focus on Siemens PLCs.
• Experience with Siemens 840D NC Controllers and Siemens WinCC HMI systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation accurately.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools such as calipers, dial indicators, and related inspection equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and practical experience troubleshooting equipment such as industrial robotics, machine tools, CNC equipment, or automated manufacturing systems.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with customers, vendors, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Ability to analyze and diagnose automation problems and implement robust corrective actions.
• Comfort working on aerial platforms and at elevated heights, and performing physically demanding tasks such as lifting up to 40 lbs and standing or walking for extended periods.
• Flexibility to travel 50% or more to customer sites and to support multiple shifts, including weekends and three 12-hour weekend shifts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Technical degree or certification with 3+ years of industrial automation experience will also be considered.
• Experience working with industrial robotics, machine tools, CNC equipment, or automated manufacturing systems.
• Siemens Step 7 PLC troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal for programming, machine troubleshooting, and diagnostics.
• Knowledge of IEC 61131 PLC programming languages.
• Experience with CNC troubleshooting.
• Background in electrical design practices, machine and motion control systems, electro-mechanical systems, robotics, programming, and system integration.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and RSLogix is beneficial.
• Demonstrated strength in problem-solving with the ability to identify and resolve complex automation and controls issues.
• Experience in general troubleshooting, repair, and design of electrical and mechanical systems in an automation environment.

Work Environment
This is a field-based role working onsite for a variety of clients in the Savannah market and surrounding regions. You will spend a significant portion of your time at customer manufacturing facilities, supporting installation, commissioning, and ongoing optimization of automated equipment. The environment includes industrial production floors, machine tool and CNC areas, robotics cells, and integrated automation lines. Work may be performed across multiple shifts, including weekends and extended 12-hour weekend shifts, with frequent travel of 50% or more to customer locations. You should be comfortable working on aerial platforms and at elevated heights, as well as standing, walking, climbing stairs, and lifting up to 40 lbs for extended periods. The role involves regular use of industrial automation technologies such as Siemens PLCs, Siemens 840D NC controllers, Siemens WinCC and TIA Portal, industrial robotics, motion control systems, and precision measuring tools. The culture emphasizes safety, technical excellence, collaboration with customers and vendors, and delivering high-quality service and solutions in dynamic manufacturing environments.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Richmond Hill, GA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $90000.00/yr.
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.
6% 401(k) company match, no vesting period 100% paid healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision) Disability plan & group life insurance program 3 weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 13 paid holidays, including 3 floating holidays Tuition reimbursement program, up to $10,000/yr International travel opportunities (Germany)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Richmond Hill,GA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 29, 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.


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