Senior Controls Engineer

Senior Controls Engineer
Job Description
This Senior Controls Engineer role focuses on designing, programming, implementing, and supporting industrial automation and process manufacturing systems for a diverse range of manufacturing clients. You will act as a technical leader on complex automation initiatives, ensuring reliable, efficient, and scalable control solutions while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and mentoring junior engineers.
Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement PLC, HMI, and SCADA solutions for industrial automation and process manufacturing applications.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley and Siemens control systems to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
• Support process automation projects from initial concept and design through commissioning and handover.
• Collaborate with project managers, clients, and multidisciplinary engineering teams to plan and execute automation projects on schedule and within scope.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentorship to junior engineers and technical staff.
• Support startup, commissioning, and validation activities for new or upgraded automation systems at client facilities.
• Develop, review, and maintain automation documentation, including functional specifications, drawings, and system standards.
• Establish and uphold control system standards, best practices, and procedures across projects.
• Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and technical discussions to clarify requirements and present solutions.
• Diagnose and resolve issues in manufacturing automation systems, minimizing downtime and improving system performance.

Essential Skills

• 10-15+ years of hands-on controls engineering experience in industrial automation or process manufacturing environments.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming, including design, development, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Extensive experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, including configuration, programming, and maintenance.
• Extensive experience with Siemens PLCs, including configuration, programming, and maintenance.
• Practical experience with HMI and SCADA platforms, including screen development and system integration.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and support manufacturing automation systems and control hardware.
• Solid background in controls engineering principles, including automation, electrical systems, and programming.
• Experience supporting process automation projects from concept through commissioning.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for diagnosing control system, electrical, and software issues in industrial environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with project managers, clients, and engineering teams to deliver successful projects.
• Ability to provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers on complex automation initiatives.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ignition platform experience for developing and integrating industrial applications.
• System integration experience, including connecting PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and other plant-level systems.
• Experience leading technical projects, including planning, coordination, and oversight of automation deliverables.
• Experience participating in customer meetings and technical reviews to present and refine automation solutions.
• Experience developing and maintaining automation documentation, standards, and best practices.

Work Environment
This role supports industrial automation and process manufacturing projects for multiple manufacturing clients, providing exposure to a variety of production environments and technologies. You will work with PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems, including Allen-Bradley and Siemens platforms, and may spend time both in an office setting for design and programming tasks and on-site at manufacturing facilities for commissioning, troubleshooting, and support. The position involves close collaboration with project managers, clients, and engineering teams, as well as hands-on work with automation equipment and control systems in operational plants.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $67.00/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 Type
This is a hybrid position in Columbus,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 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.