Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Controls Engineer in Automation

Job Description

The Senior Controls Engineer is responsible for the planning, design, programming, and implementation of PLC, HMI, and PC-based control systems for industrial automation projects. This role leads the development of control solutions that may include PLC programming, PC programming (.NET), HMI design, robot programming, machine vision, and industrial communication networks. The Senior Controls Engineer interprets project scope and technical requirements, balances client expectations with budget and schedule constraints, and ensures successful technical execution from concept through commissioning and on-site startup.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, program, and implement PLC, HMI, and PC-based control systems for large automation machinery projects.
• Interpret customer-supplied control descriptions, conduct interviews with clients and owners, and analyze mechanical system requirements to create functional software designs.
• Develop and program control systems for automated equipment, including PLCs, AC and servo motion control, robotics, machine vision, bar-code and RFID applications, and related automation technologies.
• Create highly structured, well-documented, and reliable PLC and PC programs that align with established company standards.
• Design intuitive, easy-to-navigate, and visually appealing HMI interfaces and SCADA screens that support efficient operation and troubleshooting.
• Program PLC systems from beginning to end, including configuration, logic development, testing, and deployment for platforms such as Rockwell, Siemens, and Allen-Bradley.
• Program and integrate industrial robots, including 6-axis robots and platforms such as Fanuc, UR, and ABB, into automated systems.
• Develop software and test plans to support thorough, systematic in-house testing prior to on-site commissioning.
• Perform comprehensive testing of system software to verify functionality, reliability, and safety before exposing systems to the client.
• Interface with outside vendors for the selection of components and coordination of manufacturing and assembly activities.
• Commission machines to meet customer quality, performance, and cycle time requirements, including on-site testing and startup support.
• Ensure that automation projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget while maintaining high technical quality.
• Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation, including design specifications, test plans, operating procedures, and change records.
• Collaborate effectively with other project team members to share programming responsibilities and ensure cohesive system integration.
• Apply strong mechanical and electrical aptitude to troubleshoot and optimize control systems and automated equipment.
• Demonstrate flexibility and enthusiasm in a role where daily tasks and challenges frequently vary.
• Provide project management and technical leadership on controls projects, coordinating tasks, timelines, and resources to achieve project goals.
• Maintain effective communication with cross-functional teams and clients to clarify requirements, report progress, and resolve issues.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of experience in the planning, design, programming, and implementation of PLC, HMI, and PC-based control systems.
• 5+ years of experience working on large automation machinery projects.
• 5+ years of experience with data logging and programming HMI interfaces and databases.
• 4+ years of experience with machine vision systems.
• 5+ years of experience in project management or technical leadership within automation or controls engineering projects.
• 5+ years of experience demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
• Highly competent to expert-level PLC and PC programming skills.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, including platforms such as Rockwell and Allen-Bradley.
• Experience with Siemens PLCs and related software tools.
• Strong HMI programming experience, including the design of intuitive and user-friendly interfaces.
• Experience with SCADA systems and integration with plant-floor equipment.
• Hands-on experience with AC and servo motion control programming.
• Experience with industrial robots, including 6-axis robots and platforms such as Fanuc, UR, and ABB.
• Experience with robotics integration, machine vision, bar-code, and RFID applications in automated systems.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude relevant to automated equipment and industrial control systems.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to complete projects on time and within budget.
• Ability to design software and test strategies to support thorough in-house testing and successful commissioning.
• Strong documentation skills, including the ability to create and maintain comprehensive project records.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with PC-based control systems and .NET programming for industrial applications.
• Experience with machine vision platforms such as Keyence or similar technologies.
• Familiarity with industrial communication networks and their implementation in control systems.
• Ability to interface effectively with vendors for component selection, manufacturing, and assembly coordination.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing project requirements and daily tasks.
• Demonstrated enjoyment of working in a dynamic environment where every day presents new challenges and opportunities.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in a manufacturing environment, supporting industrial automation and systems integration projects. The position involves occasional travel for on-site commissioning, testing, and startup at customer facilities. The company offers a family-like culture with meaningful growth opportunities and a supportive team atmosphere. The work environment includes exposure to automated equipment, control panels, robotics, and industrial networks, with a focus on safety and collaboration. The organization provides a comprehensive benefits package, including multiple medical plan options, dental, vision, TeleHealth services, flexible spending accounts, paid vacation, and holidays.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Tempe, AZ.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Tempe,AZ.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.