Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on programming and troubleshooting control systems for water and wastewater equipment, with a strong emphasis on Schneider Electric Modicon PLCs. The Controls Engineer designs, configures, and supports automation solutions, ensuring reliable and efficient operation of control systems both in the office and in the field.

Responsibilities

• Program Schneider Electric Modicon PLCs to support water and wastewater control systems.
• Troubleshoot control equipment for water and wastewater applications, both remotely and onsite.
• Interpret and work from electrical schematics and P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) drawings to design, modify, and support control systems.
• Diagnose and resolve control system issues in the field, including PLCs, HMIs, and related automation components.
• Develop, configure, and maintain HMI applications to support control system operation and monitoring.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to implement control strategies that improve system performance and reliability.
• Support the commissioning, startup, and optimization of new or upgraded control systems.
• Document changes to PLC and HMI programs and maintain accurate records of control system configurations.
• Provide technical support and guidance on controls engineering best practices and standards.
• Assist with ongoing improvements to automation, controls, and programming processes within the organization.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience in controls or automation engineering.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming, specifically with Schneider Electric Modicon PLCs.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting control systems for water and wastewater equipment.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply electrical schematics and P&ID drawings.
• Solid experience in controls engineering, including design, implementation, and support of automation systems.
• Experience with HMI programming and automation software tools.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and resolve control system issues both in the office and in the field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with water and wastewater control systems and processes.
• Exposure to a range of automation and programming platforms in industrial environments.
• Familiarity with broader automation concepts, including system integration and field commissioning.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in technical environments.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and support field personnel.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role based in Sugar Land, TX, with a hybrid schedule of four days onsite and one day working from home each week. The position involves working with industrial control systems and automation equipment for water and wastewater facilities. The role includes occasional travel to field sites to support troubleshooting, commissioning, and maintenance activities. The environment combines office-based programming and documentation work with hands-on field work around operational equipment, requiring comfort in both settings and adherence to standard safety practices.

This is a Contract position based out of Sugar Land, TX.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/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)

This is a Contract position based out of Sugar Land, TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Sugar Land,TX.

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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.