Automation & Controls Engineer

Job Title: Automation & Controls Engineer

Overview

Design, program, and support automation and control systems for custom-built machinery. This hands-on role works with PLCs, HMIs, and electrical panel designs to improve equipment reliability, safety, and efficiency while partnering closely with maintenance and technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC systems, including Allen-Bradley, AutomationDirect, Omron, and Siemens platforms.
• Develop and support HMI interfaces for custom machinery.
• Create and update electrical panel drawings using AutoCAD Electrical.
• Support equipment installations, commissioning, retrofits, and system integrations.
• Troubleshoot control systems, identify root causes, and implement improvements.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Assist with control system design, component selection, and documentation.
• Collaborate with maintenance and technical teams to implement automation solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with PLCs and automation systems through internships, coursework, or professional experience.
• Knowledge of PLC programming, HMI development, and control system design.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to safety and continuous learning.

Preferred

• Exposure to automation projects, custom machinery, or equipment modernization.
• Interest in developing expertise in controls engineering, PLC programming, and automation technologies.
• Motivated to contribute to a growing engineering team and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

On-site role working Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in a manufacturing facility undergoing modernization. You'll work in a collaborative, hands-on environment that combines legacy equipment with modern automation technologies and offers strong opportunities for growth and development.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fort Worth, TX.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $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 fully onsite position in Fort Worth,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 1, 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.