Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and maintains industrial control and automation systems, ensuring reliable operation of manufacturing equipment and processes. This role focuses on troubleshooting and design for PLCs, HMIs, drives, and related electrical systems, while applying sound engineering principles to new projects, maintenance activities, and equipment upgrades. The Controls Engineer collaborates closely with maintenance and production teams to improve system reliability, uptime, and safety, and provides technical leadership on automation upgrades, retrofits, and new equipment integration.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop hardware and software solutions for new automation projects and maintenance repairs using sound engineering principles.

• Perform hardware and software design for PLCs, HMIs, AC and DC drives, and related control systems.

• Design, program, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLCs, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and RSLogix 5000 platforms.

• Support, maintain, and optimize Siemens automation systems used in manufacturing operations.

• Develop, configure, and maintain SCADA and HMI systems to monitor, control, and visualize production processes.

• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to improve system reliability, increase uptime, and resolve control-related issues.

• Lead or assist in automation upgrades, retrofits, and integration of new equipment into existing control architectures.

• Ensure all control systems comply with applicable safety and quality standards and best practices.

• Document control strategies, wiring diagrams, system configurations, and updates for new and existing equipment.

• Manage and schedule maintenance personnel and outside contractors to complete projects and maintain equipment effectively.

• Interface with drafters or personally create and update electrical drawings and CAD layouts for projects and existing equipment.

• Set up, verify, and maintain spare parts lists required for new and existing equipment to support ongoing maintenance.

• Write and update preventative maintenance instructions for equipment and control systems.

• Apply strong knowledge of medium-voltage power systems to support design, operation, and maintenance of electrical infrastructure.

• Maintain, upgrade, and archive software used in the manufacturing process to ensure version control and system integrity.

• Perform or support arc flash analysis to enhance electrical safety and ensure proper labeling and documentation.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience in electrical engineering with a focus on industrial control and automation systems.

• Proficiency in PLC programming, particularly Allen-Bradley platforms such as ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and RSLogix 5000.

• Hands-on experience supporting and maintaining Siemens automation systems.

• Ability to develop and maintain SCADA and HMI systems for manufacturing or industrial environments.

• Strong computer skills for performing hardware and software design for PLCs, HMIs, drives, and CAD layouts.

• Solid understanding of automation principles and industrial control architectures.

• Competence in AutoCAD Electrical or similar tools for creating and updating electrical drawings and layouts.

• Experience managing and scheduling maintenance personnel and coordinating with outside contractors.

• Capability to interface with drafters or independently draft and revise electrical drawings for projects and existing equipment.

• Skill in setting up and validating spare parts requirements for new and existing equipment.

• Strong knowledge of medium-voltage power systems and their application in manufacturing environments.

• Experience maintaining, upgrading, and archiving software used in manufacturing processes.

• Knowledge of arc flash analysis and electrical safety practices.

• Ability to write clear and practical preventative maintenance instructions for equipment and control systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience leading or assisting with automation upgrades, retrofits, and integration of new equipment.

• Familiarity with safety and quality standards relevant to industrial control systems.

• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with maintenance, production, and drafting teams.

• Attention to detail in documenting control strategies, wiring diagrams, and system configurations.

• Organizational skills for coordinating multiple projects, maintenance activities, and contractor schedules.

• Comfort working with both AC and DC drive systems in industrial applications.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing and industrial setting, working closely with production and maintenance teams around automated equipment and control systems. The Controls Engineer regularly uses technologies such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLCs, SCADA/HMI platforms, AC and DC drives, and AutoCAD Electrical for designing and maintaining control architectures. The environment involves both office-based engineering tasks, including programming and documentation, and on-site work around machinery for troubleshooting, commissioning, and upgrades. Work may include coordinating with internal maintenance staff and external contractors, supporting scheduled maintenance activities, and participating in safety-focused initiatives such as arc flash analysis. Appropriate industrial attire and adherence to safety protocols are expected when working on the plant floor and around electrical equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Church Hill, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $110000.00/yr.

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance Health savings accounts (HSA) or flexible spending accounts (FSA) Employee assistance programs (EAP) for mental health and counseling On-site wellness programs or fitness incentives 401(k) retirement plans with company matching Life and disability insurance Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays Parental leave and family care support Training and certification programs Opportunities for advancement and internal mobility

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Church Hill,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 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.