Senior Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Controls Engineer Job Description

This onsite Senior or Principal Electrical Controls Engineer role is based in Orlando and offers the opportunity to lead the design, integration, and execution of highly complex, custom-engineered control systems. You will work on large-scale projects across sports architecture, themed entertainment, and other industries that require innovative mechanization solutions. The position suits an engineer who enjoys solving challenging real-world problems, taking ownership from concept through commissioning, and spending significant time in the field. You will play a key role in shaping the growth and success of the Florida office while bringing one-of-a-kind systems to life.

• Lead the design and development of advanced electrical control systems for large, custom-engineered machinery and mechanization projects.
• Own projects from concept through commissioning, including requirements definition, system architecture, detailed design, implementation, and final handover.
• Design and program PLC-based control systems, including logic development, HMI configuration, and integration of VFDs, servo systems, and motor controls.
• Develop and review electrical schematics, panel layouts, and technical documentation using modern electrical design tools.
• Integrate control system hardware and software, ensuring robust, safe, and reliable operation of complex machinery and systems.
• Apply functional safety principles and relevant industry standards to the design and implementation of control systems.
• Lead system commissioning activities on-site, including startup, testing, tuning, and validation of control systems.
• Provide hands-on troubleshooting and field support to resolve technical issues and ensure successful system performance.
• Coordinate closely with clients, contractors, and vendors during design, installation, and commissioning to align expectations and resolve issues in real time.
• Manage technical risk on complex, custom-engineered systems by identifying potential issues early and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
• Support the growth and development of the Florida office by contributing to best practices, mentoring team members, and helping refine engineering processes.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, structural, and systems engineers, to deliver integrated solutions.
• Maintain clear, accurate technical documentation and contribute to project reports, design reviews, and field records.
• Travel frequently to project sites to support installations, commissioning, troubleshooting, and customer-facing activities.
• Operate effectively in dynamic environments, working both independently and as part of a team to meet project deadlines and performance goals.

• 10+ years of experience in controls engineering or a related field, or at least 3+ years of relevant experience for a candidate at a more junior Senior level.
• Proven experience designing and implementing control systems for large machinery and custom mechanization projects.
• Strong proficiency with Rockwell Studio 5000 or equivalent PLC platforms, including PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and motor control.
• Experience with control system architecture, integration, and functional safety principles.
• Demonstrated experience in system commissioning, troubleshooting, and field support for complex control systems.
• Ability to read, create, and modify electrical schematics and related technical documentation.
• Familiarity with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and its application to industrial control systems.
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Eligibility as a U.S. person under ITAR requirements due to access to export-controlled technical data.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, EPLAN, or similar electrical design tools for control system and panel design.
• Experience working with three-phase power systems and industrial electrical infrastructure.
• Demonstrated ability to lead field activities and coordinate effectively with clients, contractors, and vendors.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to operate effectively in dynamic, field-based environments.

• Florida Engineer Intern (E.I.T.) or Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, or the ability to obtain such licensure.
• Experience in themed entertainment, amusement, or large-scale custom mechanization systems.
• Experience using 3D CAD tools in support of control system or equipment design.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ASTM F2291 and their application to complex mechanized systems.
• Experience managing technical risk on complex, custom-engineered projects, including identifying and mitigating potential failure modes.
• Enjoyment of hands-on, field-based engineering work and frequent interaction with installed systems.
• Strong communication skills for interfacing with multidisciplinary teams and presenting technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

This is a fully onsite role based in Orlando, with a strong field component and significant travel to project locations. You will spend considerable time at customer sites and in active facilities, supporting installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of large-scale, custom-engineered systems. The work involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering teams, contractors, and vendors in both office and field settings. You will work with technologies such as PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, motor controls, and industrial power distribution, as well as electrical design tools like AutoCAD, EPLAN, and 3D CAD. The environment is dynamic and hands-on, requiring comfort with being on the shop floor, around large machinery, and in construction or industrial settings while meeting project schedules and performance expectations.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Orlando, FL.

The pay range for this position is $63.00 - $82.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Orlando,FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.