Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer Job Description
The Controls Engineer leads all engineering activities that support manufacturing operations, with ownership across machine design, automation, maintenance, safety, and facilities. This role partners closely with production leadership to drive equipment reliability, continuous improvement, and the safe operation of plant systems. The position is both strategic and hands-on, requiring strong leadership capabilities and deep technical expertise in automation, PLCs, machine design, and preventive maintenance.
Responsibilities

• Lead engineering activities that support manufacturing operations, ensuring reliable and efficient performance of plant equipment and systems.
• Design or oversee the design of custom machines and automation solutions, ensuring new equipment integrates smoothly and functions reliably within existing plant systems.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot PLCs, with a strong emphasis on Omron platforms, ladder logic, and machine sequencing in a manufacturing environment.
• Develop, execute, and continuously improve Preventive Maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime, reliability, and long-term performance.
• Own and enhance equipment reliability strategies, identifying root causes of failures and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Apply and maintain industrial safety systems, including light curtains, interlocks, emergency stops, and other machine safety devices to support safe plant operations.
• Integrate and support vision systems used for inspection and quality control, ensuring accurate and reliable automated inspection processes.
• Provide strong troubleshooting support across electrical, mechanical, and automation systems to resolve manufacturing issues quickly and effectively.
• Offer technical leadership to engineering and production teams, guiding real-time decisions and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
• Read, interpret, and apply electrical prints, mechanical drawings, and process specifications in the design, modification, and maintenance of equipment.
• Collaborate closely with production leadership and cross-functional teams to align engineering solutions with operational goals and quality standards.
• Ensure that all engineering work adheres to relevant safety standards, quality requirements, and best practices in manufacturing.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 3-10 years of experience in an engineering leadership or senior technical role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting Omron PLCs, including ladder logic and machine sequencing.
• Proven ability to design or oversee the design of custom machines and integrate automation into existing plant systems.
• Demonstrated experience developing, executing, and managing Preventive Maintenance programs focused on equipment reliability and uptime.
• Working knowledge of industrial safety systems such as light curtains, interlocks, and emergency stop circuits.
• Experience with vision systems and automated inspection for quality control.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, mechanical, and automation systems in manufacturing settings.
• Solid understanding of mechanical and electrical machine systems and how they interact in automated production environments.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical prints, mechanical drawings, and process specifications accurately.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Significant experience with Omron PLCs is a strong plus.
• Experience in machine automation and sequencing, including coordination of multiple control devices and sensors.
• Background in industrial safety practices and standards applied to automated machinery.
• Experience supporting quality control inspection processes using vision systems and other automated inspection tools.
• Demonstrated technical leadership, with the ability to guide engineering teams and influence production decisions in real time.
• Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives focused on equipment performance, safety, and process optimization.

Work Environment
This role operates in a manufacturing plant environment with a strong focus on automation, machine design, and equipment reliability. The Controls Engineer works both in office and on the production floor, interacting directly with machinery, PLCs, vision systems, and industrial safety equipment. The position involves hands-on work with electrical and mechanical systems, regular collaboration with production teams, and active participation in troubleshooting and preventive maintenance activities. Work hours typically follow standard plant operating schedules, with flexibility required to support critical production needs and equipment issues. Appropriate industrial attire and adherence to safety protocols are expected while working in the facility.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Canton, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $40.87/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 North Canton,OH.
Application Deadline
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 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.