Controls Engineer

CONTRACT - Controls Engineer
Job Description
The Controls Engineer provides project support for smaller-scale projects and line optimization within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. In this role, you troubleshoot equipment and heavily modify existing PLC programs to support e-compressor production lines supplying major automotive customers. You primarily work on individual cells rather than entire production lines, ensuring reliable operation, efficiency, and continuous improvement of automated equipment.
Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment on individual manufacturing cells to resolve issues quickly and minimize downtime.
• Heavily modify and update existing PLC programs to support line optimization and changing production requirements.
• Work with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms to diagnose, adjust, and improve control logic and system performance.
• Configure, monitor, and adjust HMI interfaces to support operators and improve usability on the production floor.
• Support e-compressor manufacturing lines by ensuring controls systems operate reliably and meet production targets.
• Apply robotic programming skills to configure, modify, and optimize robotic cells within the automation environment.
• Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to identify root causes of equipment issues and implement corrective actions.
• Assist with automation improvements to increase efficiency, throughput, and quality in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Interpret electrical schematics to understand system design and support troubleshooting and modifications.
• Prioritize tasks effectively and stay focused while responding to changing priorities and production demands.
• Participate in short-term project work, contributing technical controls expertise to meet project timelines and objectives.
• Support safe operation of automated equipment by ensuring controls logic and system changes follow established procedures.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with PLC troubleshooting and heavily modifying existing PLC programs.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLCs in an industrial automation environment.
• Experience working with HMI systems for monitoring and controlling automated equipment.
• Background in controls engineering within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Robotic programming experience for industrial automation cells.
• Ability to prioritize work and maintain focus when requirements and conditions change quickly.
• Strong understanding of electrical and automation concepts relevant to manufacturing equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in fast-paced manufacturing; automotive manufacturing experience is ideal but not required.
• Knowledge of electrical schematic design is a plus.
• Experience in electrical engineering or a related discipline is beneficial.
• Experience with robotics and automation systems in production environments.
• Familiarity with PLC programming beyond troubleshooting, including optimization and enhancements.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams on the production floor.

Work Environment
This role operates in a fast-paced manufacturing environment focused on high-volume e-compressor production. You work directly on automated cells equipped with PLCs, HMIs, and robotic systems, using Allen-Bradley controls and related electrical and automation technologies. The position supports short-term project work with the potential to work overtime, and you regularly collaborate with production and maintenance teams on the shop floor to keep equipment running smoothly and efficiently.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Morristown, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Morristown, TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 7, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Morristown,TN.
About Actalent


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