Electrical Controls Engineer

Job Title: Electrical Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Electrical Controls Engineer designs, implements, and improves electrical and control systems for manufacturing equipment within the plant. This role plans and executes projects that enhance manufacturing processes and equipment performance while meeting cost, quality, and safety requirements. The engineer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to deliver reliable automation solutions that support ongoing production and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design automation systems using engineering principles, including programmable logic control (PLC) systems, instrumentation, interlock logic circuits, variable-frequency drives (VFDs), transformers, vision systems, robotic automation systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and Machine Data Collection (MDC) solutions.

• Support the design, specification, installation, startup, and validation of process control systems, electrical systems, and instrumentation for new equipment and upgrade projects.

• Ensure all designs meet site specifications and follow good controls engineering practices, adhering to relevant codes, regulations, and internal standards.

• Coordinate with other engineers, project managers, and suppliers to deliver complete, accurate, and timely designs and implementations for assigned projects.

• Recommend new equipment, concepts, and techniques to improve performance, simplify design, reduce costs, correct design flaws, or comply with changes in customer requirements, codes, or regulations.

• Develop cost estimates and supporting data for new automation projects and improvements to existing automation systems.

• Create, review, and interpret wiring diagrams, single-line drawings, control architecture drawings and specifications, electrical and instrumentation specifications, data sheets, and control philosophy documents.

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC code, including understanding and rewriting pre-existing code to enhance system performance and reliability.

• Develop and maintain HMI interfaces to support operator usability and effective monitoring of automated systems.

• Use AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical to produce and update schematics, layouts, and other technical documentation for control systems.

• Troubleshoot control system issues on manufacturing equipment and processes, supporting production by resolving equipment and automation problems.

• Handle a high volume of work orders annually to improve, repair, or troubleshoot equipment and manufacturing processes, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal operation.

• Collaborate with manufacturing and maintenance teams to implement control system changes that support continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 3+ years of controls engineering experience within an industrial manufacturing environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.

• Hands-on PLC programming experience, preferably with Omron platforms, including the ability to understand, modify, and rewrite existing code.

• At least 3+ years of experience working with Ladder Logic.

• Experience with HMI development for industrial automation systems.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical for creating and updating electrical schematics and control drawings.

• Strong skills in reading and generating wiring diagrams, single-line drawings, and control architecture documents.

• Experience with control system troubleshooting, including PLC troubleshooting and diagnosis of automation issues.

• Familiarity with instrumentation and interlock logic circuits.

• Experience working with variable-frequency drives (VFDs), transformers, and related electrical components.

• Ability to support the design, specification, installation, startup, and validation of process control and electrical systems.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with engineers, project managers, suppliers, and operations teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Automotive manufacturing experience is a plus.

• Experience with vision systems and robotic automation systems is beneficial.

• Exposure to automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and Machine Data Collection (MDC) systems is advantageous.

• Experience developing cost estimates and supporting data for automation projects.

• Ability to recommend and implement new equipment, concepts, and techniques to improve performance and reduce costs.

• Comfort working in a high-activity environment with numerous work orders and continuous improvement projects.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing plant environment on a first-shift schedule, with typical hours of approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The facility is clean and organized, supporting modern automated manufacturing operations. The engineer works closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams on the plant floor and in office or engineering areas, using tools such as PLC programming software, HMI development tools, and AutoCAD/AutoCAD Electrical. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement, with regular interaction across departments to support equipment reliability and process enhancements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lebanon, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $57.00/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 fully onsite position in Lebanon,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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.