Electrical Controls Engineer

Electrical Controls Engineer

This entry-level Electrical Controls Engineer position focuses on supporting the design and implementation of industrial automation control systems. You will help develop control system designs, PLC and HMI programs, and electrical schematics while working closely with senior engineers. The role offers a balanced mix of engineering design, panel fabrication support, and field commissioning, making it ideal for recent graduates or early-career technicians who want to build a strong foundation in controls engineering with hands-on exposure to both office and shop environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior engineers in designing industrial automation control systems, including schematics, panel layouts, and system architecture.
• Support the development, programming, and configuration of PLCs (such as Rockwell/Studio 5000 or similar platforms) and HMIs for various automation projects.
• Help create and review electrical schematics, ensuring designs are accurate, clear, and aligned with project requirements.
• Participate in control panel fabrication activities on the shop floor, supporting panel builds, wiring, and testing to understand how designs translate into completed systems.
• Contribute to quality control efforts by inspecting panels and systems, verifying that they meet design specifications and functional requirements.
• Assist with troubleshooting electrical and control system issues during panel testing, commissioning, and startup activities.
• Support field commissioning and startup of control systems at customer sites, including occasional travel for on-site service and project launches.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and technicians to refine designs based on lessons learned from fabrication and field work.
• Apply a basic understanding of industrial control components when selecting and integrating devices into system designs.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and clean work area in both office and shop environments while adhering to established procedures.

Essential Skills

• 0–2 years of experience in controls design, PLC programming, panel building, or a related field, OR completion of a 2-year technical degree in Electrical/Process Control Technology, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with PLC programming, preferably using Rockwell/Studio 5000 or similar platforms, including basic logic development and configuration.
• Exposure to HMI configuration and programming through coursework, internships, or practical projects.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics for control systems.
• Basic understanding of industrial control components, such as relays, contactors, sensors, drives, and related devices.
• Willingness to learn and actively work on the shop floor to support control panel builds and testing.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform tasks in a shop environment when supporting panel fabrication and assembly.
• Willingness to travel occasionally, approximately 15%, for commissioning, startup support, and service activities.
• Strong troubleshooting mindset for electrical and control system issues.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with senior engineers and shop personnel.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• A 4-year engineering or technical degree in a related field is a plus.
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar tools for creating and modifying electrical schematics is beneficial.
• Hands-on experience with control panels, electrical design, and controls engineering through internships, labs, or projects is advantageous.
• Interest in industrial automation and a desire to develop expertise in PLC programming, HMI design, and control system architecture.
• Ability to adapt to a small company atmosphere while benefiting from the resources and stability of a larger ownership structure.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, reliable control systems.

Work Environment

The role offers a mix of office-based design work and shop floor activities, giving you insight into the full lifecycle of control systems from concept to commissioning. You will spend part of your time in a clean, organized panel fabrication setting, supporting builds, wiring, and testing. The remainder of your time will be in an office environment focused on design, programming, and documentation. Occasional travel is required for system startups and service work, typically around 15% of the time, providing exposure to real-world commissioning and field operations. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and collaboration, with the advantages of a close-knit team and the backing of a larger corporate owner.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hamel, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $38.00/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 Hamel, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 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.