Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled Controls Engineer with 3–5+ years of hands-on PLC programming experience to develop, commission, and support automated dock work cells. In this role, you design and maintain PLC-based control systems, ensure robust machine safety, and build automation support tools in a fast-paced, cross-functional engineering environment. You work directly with industrial equipment, leveraging Rockwell PLCs, Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Python, and Linux to deliver reliable, maintainable automation solutions from concept through commissioning and ongoing support.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and support PLC-based control systems for automated work cells.

• Program, test, and maintain controls applications using Ladder Logic and Structured Text.

• Own the full controls lifecycle from requirements gathering and technical specification through development, commissioning, debug, and handoff.

• Maintain and enhance Python-based tools for automation support, device integration, data logging, and diagnostics.

• Use a Linux environment for scripting, troubleshooting, networking, and service-related tasks.

• Design, implement, and support machine safety systems, including safety PLC logic and integration of light curtains, time-of-flight sensors, door locks, and emergency stops.

• Troubleshoot complex electromechanical systems, identify root causes, and drive effective corrective actions.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across the full system lifecycle, including design, integration, testing, and continuous improvement.

• Create and maintain clear technical documentation, including requirements, specifications, schematics, and commissioning records.

• Demonstrate strong ownership, accountability, and a bias for action in a fast-paced engineering environment.

• Apply industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, IO-Link, OPC-UA, TCP/IP, and Modbus to integrate devices and systems.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives in controls architecture, safety, diagnostics, and automation tooling.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field.

• 3–5+ years of hands-on PLC programming experience.

• Strong experience with Rockwell PLCs and related tools (including RSLogix).

• Proficiency in Ladder Logic and Structured Text for PLC programming.

• Working knowledge of Python for script support, bug fixes, and small enhancements.

• Comfort working in a Linux operating system environment for scripting and troubleshooting.

• Experience with commissioning, debugging, and system-level troubleshooting of automated equipment.

• Experience with safety PLCs and machine safety concepts.

• Familiarity with industrial protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, IO-Link, OPC-UA, TCP/IP, and Modbus.

• Ability to thrive in a cross-functional, fast-paced engineering environment.

• Strong communication and documentation skills to clearly convey technical information.

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership and deliver results with incomplete or evolving requirements.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with C and/or C++ for low-level or performance-critical applications.

• Experience with Siemens PLCs, including F-CPU and safety-related configurations.

• Familiarity with Git for version control and Jira for work tracking.

• Exposure to CI/CD pipelines for deploying and maintaining automation software.

• Experience with AWS tools such as S3 and CloudWatch for data storage and monitoring.

• Hands-on experience with robotic work cells, including robot I/O interfacing and safety-rated monitoring.

• Knowledge of machinery safety standards such as ISO, IEC, NFPA 79, and UL 508A.

• Experience in controls engineering, including system architecture, diagnostics, and performance optimization.

• Proven record of navigating ambiguous requirements and delivering results in agile environments.

• Demonstrated leadership in driving technical decisions, coordinating with stakeholders, and mentoring peers.

Work Environment

You work in a hands-on industrial environment focused on automated dock work cells and robotic systems. The role involves regular interaction with PLC-controlled equipment, safety systems, and electromechanical assemblies on the production floor. You use Rockwell and Siemens PLC platforms, RSLogix, Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Python, and C/C++ within a Linux-based environment. Collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams is frequent, supported by modern tools such as Git, Jira, CI/CD pipelines, and AWS services like S3 and CloudWatch. The pace is fast and agile, with an emphasis on ownership, safety, and continuous improvement. You are expected to be on-site around industrial machinery, follow appropriate safety practices, and work within a professional engineering setting that values clear communication, thorough documentation, and high-quality technical outcomes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of North Reading, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $135000.00 - $145000.00/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 North Reading,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 14, 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.