Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

This role offers the opportunity to support complex automation projects from initial concept through full commissioning in a dynamic manufacturing environment in Spartanburg, SC. As a Controls Engineer, you will design and program Allen-Bradley PLC-based control systems, contribute to offline development, and play a key role in testing, startup, and optimization activities. The position runs through December with a strong likelihood of extension or placement on future projects, providing ongoing exposure to large-scale integration work and critical automation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop Allen-Bradley PLC programs from scratch for automated manufacturing systems.
• Perform offline PLC and control system programming, configuration, and development activities.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to validate system performance prior to shipment.
• Participate in Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to confirm system functionality and compliance on-site.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve issues in industrial automation systems during startup and commissioning.
• Optimize control logic and system performance to improve reliability, throughput, and safety.
• Collaborate closely with controls, robotics, and system integration teams throughout project execution.
• Assist with equipment installation activities and provide on-site startup support as needed.
• Ensure projects are completed on schedule while meeting all technical specifications and customer requirements.
• Provide ongoing technical support for automation systems during testing, startup, and early production phases.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience programming Allen-Bradley PLCs from scratch for industrial automation applications.
• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation platforms, including RSLogix or similar tools.
• Strong background in PLC programming and controls engineering for automated manufacturing systems.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and support industrial automation and control systems.
• Experience supporting machine commissioning, startup, and optimization in a manufacturing or integration environment.
• Direct experience with offline programming, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and installation support.
• Solid understanding of industrial controls, system integration principles, and automation architectures.
• Ability to work on-site in Spartanburg, SC for the duration of the assignment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working for or with a systems integrator on complex automation projects.
• HMI programming experience on Rockwell or comparable platforms.
• Familiarity with automated manufacturing equipment and robotics integration.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills for working with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced project environment.
• Willingness to support extended hours during critical project phases such as FAT, SAT, and installations.

Work Environment

This is an on-site role at a manufacturing and integration facility in Spartanburg, SC. You will work directly within an industrial automation environment, using Allen-Bradley and Rockwell technologies, including PLCs, RSLogix, and HMI systems. Typical hours range from approximately 45 to 55 hours per week during offline programming, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), with the potential to exceed 60 hours per week during equipment installations and critical commissioning phases. The setting is a hands-on engineering environment focused on supporting large integration projects, with close collaboration among controls, robotics, and system integration teams and a culture that emphasizes technical excellence, project ownership, and ongoing opportunities for future assignments based on performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Spartanburg, SC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/hr.

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 Spartanburg, SC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 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.