Controls Engineer

Controls EngineerThis role focuses on supporting automation projects within a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. The Controls Engineer collaborates closely with onsite operations and engineering teams to drive automation initiatives, implement process improvements, execute system upgrades, and provide hands-on troubleshooting for manufacturing automation systems and control platforms.ResponsibilitiesDevelop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC applications to support automated manufacturing processes.Design, configure, and troubleshoot HMI applications to ensure reliable operator interfaces and system visibility.Support manufacturing automation systems by monitoring performance, identifying issues, and implementing corrective actions.Assist with control system upgrades and continuous improvement projects to enhance reliability, efficiency, and compliance.Work cross-functionally with maintenance, operations, engineering, and validation teams to coordinate automation activities and resolve technical issues.Support startup and commissioning activities for new or upgraded automation systems, including testing, validation, and documentation.Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including system configurations, design specifications, and change records.Diagnose and resolve controls-related issues in a timely manner to minimize production downtime and ensure product quality.Contribute to process automation initiatives within the pharmaceutical manufacturing environment, ensuring alignment with regulatory and quality standards.Essential Skills2–7 years of experience in controls engineering within an industrial or manufacturing setting.Hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.Proficiency in automation and control systems, including PLCs and HMIs.Knowledge of Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens control platforms.Experience supporting manufacturing operations and production environments.Ability to diagnose and resolve controls-related issues using systematic troubleshooting methods.Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with maintenance, operations, engineering, and validation teams.Ability to create, modify, and maintain technical documentation related to control systems and automation projects.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience with Ignition SCADA platforms.Pharmaceutical manufacturing experience and familiarity with regulated production environments.Process automation experience, including integration of control systems with manufacturing processes.SCADA experience, including configuration, monitoring, and data analysis.Supporting startup and commissioning activities for automation systems.Work EnvironmentThis position is based onsite within a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. The Controls Engineer works closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and validation teams in a highly automated production environment that utilizes PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and Ignition. The role involves hands-on work with equipment and control systems on the production floor, participation in system startups and commissioning, and collaboration in cross-functional meetings. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and compliance with industry standards, and supports continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing automation.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $41.00 - $56.00/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)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Columbus, OH.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.About ActalentActalent 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.