Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role leads the design, programming, and commissioning of custom automated equipment, with a focus on controls engineering. You will create and maintain electrical schematics and Bills of Materials, develop and modify PLC and HMI programs, and ensure systems operate safely, reliably, and efficiently. The position also supports project delivery, team development, and technical troubleshooting for both in-house and field-based activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls design for custom automated equipment, including creating and updating electrical schematics using AutoCAD.

• Develop, maintain, and manage Bills of Materials for both hardware and software components of automation projects.

• Design, modify, and support PLC and HMI programming, including the development of new control programs and interfaces.

• Perform electrical and software debugging to identify and resolve issues in control systems.

• Conduct functional testing of control systems to verify performance, reliability, and compliance with specifications.

• Deliver controls projects on time and within budget while meeting quality and performance requirements.

• Support the development of the controls engineering team and assist in training less experienced controls engineers.

• Troubleshoot client technical issues in collaboration with Technical Services, providing clear and timely solutions.

• Provide field support for installation, commissioning, and service of automated equipment as needed.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including mechanical, process, and production personnel, to integrate controls with overall system design.

• Apply knowledge of industrial standards and best practices to ensure safe and compliant equipment designs.

• Document design changes, test results, and troubleshooting steps to maintain accurate project records and support future improvements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.

• Minimum of five years’ experience working with automated process equipment.

• Proficiency in PLC programming for major platforms such as Allen-Bradley, GE, Mitsubishi, Siemens, and Omron.

• Experience developing and modifying HMI programs for industrial automation systems.

• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including 460/3/60 power systems, motors, 24VDC I/O, and 4–20 mA instrumentation.

• Proficiency using diagnostic tools such as multimeters and oscilloscopes.

• Mechanical troubleshooting experience with pneumatics and fluid/vacuum systems.

• Hands-on experience with industrial networking technologies such as EtherNet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, RIO, and CAN.

• Ability to create and interpret electrical schematics using AutoCAD or similar CAD tools.

• Solid understanding of electrical engineering principles and industrial standards, including NFPA 79 and UL 508.

• Working knowledge of physics, fluid dynamics, and process control concepts such as Cp and Cpk.

• Strong IT skills, including experience with ERP systems, Microsoft Office, engineering tools, and Microsoft Project.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex automation and control system issues.

• Strong organizational and time management skills to deliver projects on schedule and within budget.

• Effective communication skills to collaborate with internal teams and external clients.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Exposure to Six Sigma methodologies and tools.

• Experience as an ISO auditor or familiarity with ISO standards.

• Experience in Lean Manufacturing and other continuous improvement initiatives.

• Experience working in an automation manufacturing environment.

• Ability to mentor and train junior controls engineers and technical staff.

• Experience participating in or leading continuous improvement projects within an engineering or manufacturing setting.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite at an automation manufacturing facility. You will work directly with production equipment, automated machinery, and industrial control systems in a hands-on environment. The role involves collaboration with engineering, production, and technical services teams, as well as time spent on the shop floor and in control panels during installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities. Field visits to support equipment installation and service at customer locations may be required. The work environment emphasizes safety, adherence to industrial standards, and the use of modern engineering tools and software to support efficient project execution.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $110000.00/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 Moraine,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 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.