Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, maintains, and troubleshoots industrial control and automation systems to ensure reliable manufacturing operations. This role supports PLCs, HMIs, drives, and electrical systems while leading automation upgrades, equipment integrations, and process improvements. Working closely with maintenance and production teams, the Controls Engineer helps improve system reliability, uptime, safety, and overall performance.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop hardware and software solutions for new automation projects, equipment upgrades, and maintenance repairs.
• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, AC/DC drives, and related control systems.
• Configure and support Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and RSLogix 5000 platforms.
• Maintain and optimize Siemens automation systems used in manufacturing operations.
• Develop, configure, and support SCADA and HMI systems for process monitoring and control.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to improve reliability, increase uptime, and resolve control system issues.
• Lead or support automation upgrades, retrofits, and integration of new equipment into existing systems.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety, quality, and engineering standards.
• Create and maintain documentation including control strategies, wiring diagrams, system configurations, and equipment updates.
• Coordinate maintenance personnel and contractors to complete projects and support equipment reliability.
• Create or update electrical drawings and CAD layouts as needed.
• Establish and maintain spare parts inventories for new and existing equipment.
• Develop and update preventative maintenance procedures for equipment and control systems.
• Support the design, operation, and maintenance of medium-voltage power systems.
• Maintain, upgrade, and archive manufacturing software to ensure system integrity and version control.
• Perform or support arc flash analysis and related electrical safety initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Experience designing and troubleshooting industrial automation and control systems.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, AC/DC drives, and electrical controls.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and RSLogix 5000 platforms.
• Familiarity with Siemens automation systems.
• Experience leading or supporting automation upgrades, retrofits, and equipment integration projects.
• Knowledge of industrial safety and quality standards.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with maintenance, production, engineering, and drafting teams.
• Strong documentation skills, including wiring diagrams, control strategies, and system configurations.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, maintenance activities, and contractor schedules.
• Experience working with medium-voltage power systems.
• Knowledge of arc flash analysis and electrical safety practices.
• Proficiency creating or updating electrical drawings and CAD layouts.

Work Environment

• This position operates in a manufacturing environment with significant involvement in industrial automation, electrical systems, and process control. The Controls Engineer works closely with maintenance, production, engineering, and contractor teams to support equipment reliability, automation improvements, and plant operations. The role requires a strong focus on safety, troubleshooting, technical leadership, and continuous improvement.

Job Type & Location: This is a Permanent position based out of Kingsport, TN.

Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $110000.00/yr. Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance Health savings accounts (HSA) or flexible spending accounts (FSA) Employee assistance programs (EAP) for mental health and counseling On-site wellness programs or fitness incentives 401(k) retirement plans with company matching Life and disability insurance Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays Parental leave and family care support Training and certification programs Opportunities for advancement and internal mobility

Workplace Type: This is a fully onsite position in Kingsport, TN.

Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 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.