Automation Engineer

Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer provides multi-site engineering support for manufacturing operations, capital projects, equipment installations, automation systems, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and OEM suppliers to enhance equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, safety, and overall production performance across multiple facilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, troubleshoot, and improve industrial electrical systems to support reliable and efficient manufacturing operations.
• Develop, modify, and support PLC programs, including Allen-Bradley platforms, to optimize automation performance.
• Create and maintain HMI applications to provide clear, user-friendly operator interfaces and process visibility.
• Configure, support, and maintain industrial networking infrastructure to ensure robust communication between control systems and equipment.
• Support and maintain VFDs, servo systems, and other motion control components used in production equipment.
• Maintain, update, and organize electrical drawings and control schematics to reflect current system configurations and standards.
• Assist with startup, commissioning, and debugging of new production equipment to achieve stable and efficient operation.
• Support automation upgrades and standardize controls across multiple facilities to drive consistency and best practices.
• Coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, and contractors on controls-related projects to ensure successful implementation and integration.
• Contribute to mechanical equipment design and troubleshooting to improve reliability and performance of production lines.
• Participate in capital projects and equipment installations, providing technical input and ensuring proper integration of electrical and controls systems.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Quality teams to identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in safety, efficiency, and throughput.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting, preferably with Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Experience in HMI development and industrial networking for manufacturing and automation systems.
• Ability to use AutoCAD or similar CAD software to create and modify electrical drawings and control schematics.
• Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, including 480V power distribution, motor control centers (MCCs), and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Hands-on skills in mechanical equipment design and troubleshooting within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in project management and coordination with contractors, OEMs, and system integrators.
• Knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, conveyors, ovens, packaging equipment, and process systems used in industrial production.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in automation engineering or controls engineering in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple facilities and collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Operations, Maintenance, and Quality.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset focused on safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Comfort with supporting capital projects and new equipment installations from concept through commissioning.
• Capability to standardize controls and automation practices across different sites to drive consistency and performance.

Work Environment

The role supports a multi-site manufacturing environment, including a newly built bakery facility in Columbus with significant investment in modern production and automation technologies. The Controls Engineer works around industrial equipment such as conveyors, ovens, packaging machinery, and process systems, as well as electrical infrastructure including 480V systems, MCCs, VFDs, and industrial networks. The position involves collaboration with Operations, Maintenance, Quality teams, OEM suppliers, system integrators, and contractors, and may require time on the production floor during equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities. Work is performed in a professional industrial setting with a focus on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.

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 $40.00 - $50.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus, OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 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.