Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on developing, commissioning, and deploying advanced automation systems used in the assembly of electronic devices. The Controls Engineer will primarily work with PC-based control systems programmed in C#, while also supporting PLCs, motion control, and integrated machine hardware. This is a hands-on position that spans the full machine lifecycle, from software development and integration through installation, commissioning, and production support. The role includes an initial training and knowledge transfer period overseas, followed by leading installation and start-up activities in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot PC-based control software using C# (.NET) for custom automation equipment.
• Integrate and commission automation systems including PLCs, motion controllers, servo drives, and PC-based control platforms.
• Modify, test, and debug PLC programs for platforms such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Omron as part of overall system integration.
• Configure and tune motion control systems, including servo drives, axes, and motion profiles, to meet performance and reliability requirements.
• Support machine bring-up activities, including initial power-up, debugging, and optimization of new automation equipment.
• Lead commissioning efforts and support production ramp-up activities to ensure stable and efficient operation of automated systems.
• Perform system validation, including I/O checks, functional testing, and failure mode or negative scenario testing to verify system robustness.
• Deploy software builds to machines using proper version control, backup, and rollback procedures to maintain software integrity.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues across software, electrical, and motion control components, working systematically to identify root causes.
• Integrate and calibrate sensors, vision systems, and industrial transducers to ensure accurate and reliable data acquisition.
• Support the development and maintenance of HMI functionality, including multilingual or dual-language interfaces for operators.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams during system integration to ensure cohesive system performance.
• Document commissioning activities, test results, configuration changes, and maintain detailed software version history for traceability.
• Participate in onsite training and knowledge transfer activities at the equipment development location to prepare for installation and start-up in the United States.
• Serve as the primary controls engineer during installation and start-up of the equipment in the U.S., applying knowledge gained during the training period.

Essential Skills

• Experience with PC-based automation programming in C# (.NET).
• Proficiency in C# programming for industrial control and automation applications.
• Hands-on experience commissioning and supporting industrial automation equipment.
• Experience with PLC programming, including development, modification, testing, and debugging.
• Ability to work with PLC platforms such as Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Omron.
• Experience with motion control systems, including configuring and tuning servo drives, axes, and motion profiles.
• Strong skills in troubleshooting and resolving issues across software, electrical, and motion control components.
• Experience with PC-based automation systems and integrated machine hardware.
• Ability to perform system validation, including I/O checks, functional testing, and failure mode or negative scenario testing.
• Familiarity with integrating and commissioning automation systems that include PLCs, motion controllers, servo drives, and PC-based platforms.

Work Environment

The role begins with a four-week travel period in India , in an engineering and manufacturing environment where the Controls Engineer will train and learn the technology used in the automation equipment. During this period, the schedule is six days per week with 10-hour workdays, providing significant overtime opportunities. Following the training phase, the position transitions to a facility in Houston, Texas , where the engineer will support installation, start-up, and production activities as part of a major U.S. production initiative. The work environment includes advanced automation equipment, robotics, PC-based control systems, PLCs, motion control hardware, sensors, and vision systems. The role is hands-on and primarily onsite at engineering and manufacturing facilities, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to bring complex automation systems into full production.

This is a Contract position based out of Houston, TX.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $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)

This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.