Controls Systems Engineer

Job Title: Controls Systems EngineerJob Description

This full-time Controls Systems Engineer role offers a traveling, project-to-project opportunity where you typically work on-site at each location for 3 to 6 months. You contribute directly to the commissioning, validation, and optimization of automation and control systems for process manufacturing environments, helping improve efficiency, product quality, and overall profitability. The position provides hands-on exposure to different industries, extensive field experience, and opportunities for growth, leadership, and ongoing training.

Responsibilities

• Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols for control systems at customer sites.

• Troubleshoot and remediate commissioning and validation non-conformances to ensure systems meet required performance and compliance standards.

• Collaborate closely with internal engineering teams and client stakeholders to deliver state-of-the-art control systems that enhance efficiency, product quality, and profitability in process manufacturing.

• Define, configure, and implement programmable logic controller (PLC) solutions tailored to specific project and process requirements.

• Perform testing, on-site commissioning, and qualification of control systems to verify proper functionality and integration.

• Support building automation initiatives, including integrating mechanical and electrical components into cohesive control solutions.

• Diagnose and resolve issues related to HMI interfaces, mechanical systems, and electrical systems within the overall control architecture.

• Document commissioning activities, validation results, and remediation efforts in a clear and organized manner.

• Maintain effective communication with project teams regarding progress, issues, and recommended improvements.

• Adhere to on-site safety protocols and use appropriate PPE while working in industrial and manufacturing environments.

Essential Skills

• Experience with control systems engineering, including automation, commissioning, and validation activities.

• Proficiency in defining and implementing programmable logic controller (PLC) configurations.

• Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical, electrical, and control system issues.

• Ability to work with human-machine interfaces (HMI) and related control technologies.

• Background in building automation or process manufacturing environments.

• Capability to travel and work in a project-to-project role, spending approximately 3 to 6 months at each location.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with internal engineers and clients.

• Flexible schedule and willingness to work extended shifts as required by project needs.

• Adaptable mindset with enthusiasm for learning new technologies and processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering degree in mechanical, systems, automation, or electrical disciplines, or equivalent hands-on experience in controls or automation.

• Interest in leadership opportunities and taking on increased responsibility over time.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with diverse project teams.

• Motivation to grow professionally through hands-on training and exposure to different industries.

Work Environment

This role is fully on-site in industrial and manufacturing settings, with primary work located in Dalton, GA and travel to various project locations. You work in a field-based environment where you use appropriate PPE gear and follow established safety procedures. Typical schedules involve either six 10-hour days (6x10s) or five 10-hour days (5x10s), depending on project requirements for the week. The position is highly hands-on, with significant time spent on the plant floor commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting control systems. The culture emphasizes growth, travel opportunities, exposure to different industries, hands-on training, and pathways into leadership, supported by competitive per diem arrangements while on assignment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Holly Springs, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $39.00 - $50.00/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 Holly Springs,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.