Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer maintains, troubleshoots, and improves automotive manufacturing equipment with a strong focus on control systems, robotics, and traceability. This role involves diagnosing intermittent issues, supporting electricians, performing detailed traceability investigations, and updating control system documentation. The Controls Engineer also specifies hardware, updates AutoCAD electrical drawings, collaborates closely with the maintenance team, and executes small projects such as integrating new devices into existing production lines. The position offers the opportunity to lead technicians, deepen expertise in areas such as robotics, PLCs, HMIs, and system integration, and to grow quickly within a national automotive manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve automotive manufacturing equipment by diagnosing intermittent problems and implementing effective solutions.
• Support electricians in bringing equipment back online by providing control systems expertise and troubleshooting guidance.
• Perform traceability work, including tracking barcodes, researching part history, and developing corrective actions or process improvements.
• Specify and select appropriate hardware for control systems and automation projects.
• Update and maintain AutoCAD electrical drawings to reflect current system configurations and modifications.
• Collaborate with the maintenance team to plan and execute repairs, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Design and recommend control system architectures, products, components, and applications used in manufacturing processes.
• Identify and resolve system integration and interface issues across control, robotic, and networked equipment.
• Work with Fanuc and Siemens automation equipment, including troubleshooting and optimizing Fanuc robots.
• Utilize Hirschmann managed switches and Ethernet/IP topology for industrial networking and communications.
• Evaluate new and emerging manufacturing and control technologies and incorporate them into specifications when appropriate.
• Design, develop, select components for, evaluate, and oversee the installation of machine controls hardware.
• Confirm control system functionality and safety compliance by designing and/or executing test procedures.
• Prepare and/or review electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic control drawings, ensuring accuracy and alignment with system requirements.
• Collaborate with related engineering teams to evaluate components, materials, and suppliers for control systems.
• Keep equipment operating reliably by performing periodic audits, troubleshooting breakdowns, and coordinating necessary repairs.
• Define, review, and improve preventive maintenance plans for control systems and related equipment.
• Implement process improvements that enhance equipment reliability, safety, and productivity.
• Lead and guide a team of technicians as needed, providing technical direction and mentoring in controls and maintenance activities.
• Manage and execute small projects, such as adding barcode scanners to existing lines or integrating additional devices, like blowers, into robotic cells.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 5 years of controls engineering experience.
• Proficiency with Siemens PLCs, including programming, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Experience with PLC programming and ladder logic in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting Fanuc robots in production settings.
• Experience with CNC machining environments and related control systems.
• Electrical design experience for machine controls, including hardware selection and panel design.
• Experience with HMI systems, including configuration, troubleshooting, and integration with PLCs.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical for creating and updating control system drawings.
• Strong experience in controls engineering, including design, implementation, and support of automation systems.
• Experience with Siemens platforms such as Step 7 and TIA Portal.
• Familiarity with industrial networking, including Hirschmann managed switches and Ethernet/IP topology.
• Ability to design and execute test procedures to verify control system functionality and safety compliance.
• Ability to read, prepare, and review electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic control schematics.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for automation, robotics, and control systems in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• An Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology degree (Associate or higher) is preferred.
• Experience leading or supervising a group of controls or maintenance technicians.
• Interest in becoming more specialized in robotics, PLCs, HMIs, or system integration.
• Motivation to advance within the company and continuously develop technical skills.
• Experience working with Rockwell Automation and Allen-Bradley PLC platforms is beneficial.
• Exposure to broader automation technologies and robotics beyond Fanuc and Siemens is an advantage.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing facility that operates as a made-to-order supplier with three production shifts running. The plant is described as very clean and relatively small, fostering close collaboration among approximately 50 employees at the site. The Controls Engineer works primarily on-site in a production environment, interacting frequently with maintenance technicians, electricians, and other engineering staff around automated equipment, robots, and control systems. The position follows a first-shift schedule, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., while supporting equipment that runs across multiple shifts. The environment emphasizes autonomy once the individual is acclimated, providing opportunities to lead technicians, take ownership of projects, and work with modern automation technologies, including Fanuc robots, Siemens PLCs, AutoCAD Electrical, and industrial networking equipment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rochester, IN.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $53.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Rochester,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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.