Controls Engineer

Automation Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Automation Controls Engineer designs, programs, and supports custom automation systems using PLC, HMI, and robotic technologies across a variety of industries. This role translates customer specifications into robust control solutions, develops clear documentation and operation manuals, and supports equipment startup, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance at customer sites. The Controls Engineer ensures systems operate safely, reliably, and in full alignment with customer requirements while serving as a technical resource and trainer for end users.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control software packages using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) to meet project and customer requirements.
• Program robotic and controls equipment, including PLCs, HMIs, and robots, in accordance with detailed customer specifications.
• Own custom automation projects from concept through PLC/HMI programming, startup, and commissioning, ensuring successful delivery and performance.
• Examine and interpret customer-supplied specifications to confirm that equipment functionality fully meets defined requirements.
• Develop comprehensive operation manuals that clearly describe equipment functionality, setup procedures, and operating parameters.
• Support equipment startup and commissioning activities, ensuring systems operate in accordance with approved specifications and customer expectations.
• Perform preventative maintenance on machines and equipment as requested by customers to minimize downtime and optimize performance.
• Assist in reviewing and checking control system designs and technical details for proper functionality, including both personal work and the work of other engineers.
• Provide timely and accurate service documentation related to all engineering, programming, maintenance, and support activities.
• Deliver technical support and hands-on training to end users at customer facilities to promote safe, effective, and efficient equipment operation.
• Ensure that products, solutions, and services remain competitive and represent a benchmark standard within the automation industry.
• Demonstrate a consistent commitment to core organizational values and professional conduct.
• Follow and promote safe work practices while working in office, manufacturing, and customer site environments.
• Collaborate with internal teams and customers to meet deadlines without compromising safety or equipment integrity.
• Maintain professional communication and positive working relationships with customers, including in high-pressure or challenging situations.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in controls engineering with hands-on design, programming, and support of automation systems.
• Proficiency with PLC and HMI programming, including developing, testing, and troubleshooting control logic and operator interfaces.
• Experience with Rockwell, Beckhoff, Siemens, and FANUC platforms in controls and automation applications.
• Experience in custom automation, including owning projects from initial concept through PLC/HMI programming, startup, and commissioning.
• Intermediate understanding of electrical circuits and electrical panel design for automation systems.
• Intermediate understanding of pneumatic and hydraulic system design and their integration into automated equipment.
• Intermediate knowledge of robot programming and integration into control systems.
• Familiarity with VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives), servo applications, and motion control components.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks such as DeviceNet (DNET), Ethernet (ENET), and Profibus.
• Ability to demonstrate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills in complex technical environments.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Intermediate proficiency with Google applications such as Gmail, Calendar, and Docs.
• Ability to work onsite at company offices and at customer locations as required.
• Ability to meet project deadlines while maintaining safety and equipment integrity.
• Ability to interact professionally with customers and maintain positive working relationships, including under difficult or high-pressure circumstances.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting multiple custom automation projects across a variety of industries.
• Ability to create clear, user-friendly operation manuals and technical documentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for customer interaction and training.
• Commitment to safe work practices in office, manufacturing, and customer site environments.
• Adaptability to work on contract-to-hire engagements with exposure to diverse projects and technologies.

Work Environment

The role operates in both office and manufacturing facility environments, with regular visits to customer locations for startup, commissioning, maintenance, and training. You will work with industrial automation technologies including PLCs, HMIs, robots, VFDs, servo systems, and various communication networks. The position involves hands-on work around machinery and control panels, requiring adherence to safety procedures and appropriate attire suitable for office and manufacturing settings. The contract-to-hire structure offers exposure to a wide range of custom automation projects across multiple industries, providing variety in day-to-day tasks and collaboration with cross-functional engineering and operations teams.A

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Greenville, SC.

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $58.00/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 Contract to Hire position based out of Greenville, SC.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Greenville,SC.

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.