Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and commissions industrial control systems, focusing on PLC logic, HMI development, and electrical schematics for a wide range of automation applications. This role works closely with mechanical and electrical engineering teams, supports multiple industries, and offers the opportunity to work with newer technologies on complex and interesting projects within a growing organization.

• Design and develop control systems, including PLC logic, HMI interfaces, and detailed electrical schematics for industrial automation projects.
• Program and configure PLCs (such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, and similar platforms) and HMIs for various automation applications.
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of control systems with machinery and equipment.
• Select appropriate electrical components for control panels and automation systems based on project requirements and industry standards.
• Perform I/O checkouts, system validation, and commissioning of control systems at client sites to ensure proper operation and performance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to control systems, sensors, PLC programs, HMIs, and network communications.
• Maintain clear and accurate documentation, including wiring diagrams, ladder logic, configuration files, and system manuals.
• Provide technical support and training to clients and internal teams on control system operation, maintenance, and best practices.
• Develop PLC programs from scratch for new automation systems and customize existing programs to meet specific project needs.
• Apply robotics experience to integrate, program, and optimize robotic systems within automated production environments.

• At least 4 years of hands-on controls engineering experience in an industrial or automation environment.
• Strong PLC programming skills, including the ability to write PLC programs from scratch.
• Experience programming and configuring PLCs such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, and Mitsubishi or comparable platforms.
• Proficiency in HMI development, including screen design, user interface configuration, and integration with PLCs.
• Experience with electrical component selection for control panels and automation systems.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills in controls engineering, including diagnosing issues with PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and network communications.
• Practical robotics experience, including integration and programming of robotic systems.
• Ability to create and interpret wiring diagrams, ladder logic, and other control system documentation.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with mechanical and electrical engineering teams.
• Ability to support system commissioning, I/O checkout, and validation at client sites.

• Experience working across multiple industries and applications in automation and control systems.
• Comfort working with newer automation technologies and learning emerging tools and platforms.
• Strong communication skills for providing technical support and training to clients and internal teams.
• Detail-oriented approach to documentation, configuration management, and system validation.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks in a growing, fast-paced environment.
• Interest in contributing to a company with aggressive growth plans over the next several years.

This position is primarily office-based, with most work performed at the main engineering and panel-building facility. The role includes approximately 1015% travel to client sites within roughly a 300-mile radius, with most trips being same-day travel and occasional overnight stays when required for commissioning or support. The environment offers exposure to a variety of industries and projects, newer automation technologies, and modern control panel and automation equipment. Team members work closely with a group of about several dozen colleagues in a professional engineering setting focused on collaboration, quality, and continuous growth.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cincinnati, OH.

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $48.08/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 Cincinnati,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 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.