Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This controls engineer role sits within a research and development engineering division for a global leader in magnet wire, supporting automotive, energy, industrial, commercial, and residential applications. You will focus on project-based work rather than day-to-day factory support, leading the integration and development of new processes and equipment. The position emphasizes hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting, electrical design using AutoCAD Electrical, and technical support for new industrial automated machinery across multiple platforms including Rockwell, Omron, and Ignition.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot PLC applications, primarily using Allen-Bradley platforms and also Siemens and Omron where applicable.

• Diagnose and resolve control system issues on industrial automated machinery through hands-on troubleshooting.

• Utilize AutoCAD Electrical to design control panels, electrical schematics, and detailed control system layouts.

• Design and develop control system architectures that meet project requirements for new equipment and process improvements.

• Work cross-functionally with other engineering disciplines, skilled trades, and project managers to execute control system projects from concept through commissioning.

• Provide technical support for new industrial automated machinery, ensuring reliable operation and integration into existing systems.

• Interface with internal and external technical resources to identify, specify, and procure new parts and components required for control systems and equipment installations.

• Assist with the integration of machinery and control systems into the Ignition platform and other SCADA systems, ensuring robust data acquisition and machine communication.

• Support the installation and integration of new equipment, including control system design, configuration, and validation.

• Apply project management practices to plan, coordinate, and deliver control system projects on time and within scope.

• Ensure effective machine communication and Ethernet networking between PLCs, SCADA platforms, and other automation components.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the R&D engineering division by proposing and implementing control system enhancements.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Engineering, or a closely related field.

• At least 5 years of experience programming and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley PLCs in an industrial environment.

• Proven experience in integration work, including installing new equipment and designing control systems for new machinery.

• Strong experience reading, creating, and modifying electrical schematics for control panels and automation systems.

• Hands-on experience with Ignition or other SCADA platforms for monitoring, control, and data acquisition.

• Knowledge of medium voltage equipment such as transformers, switchgears, and switchboards.

• Demonstrated project management experience supporting control system or automation projects.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical for electrical design and documentation.

• Solid understanding of control system design principles, including safety, reliability, and maintainability.

• Experience with PLC troubleshooting and diagnosing control system faults in industrial machinery.

• Working knowledge of Ethernet networking and machine communication within automated systems.

• Strong electrical and automation troubleshooting skills in a manufacturing or industrial setting.

Additional Skils

• Experience working with Rockwell automation platforms for PLCs and control systems.

• Familiarity with Omron PLCs and related automation hardware and software.

• Exposure to Siemens PLCs and control environments.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional engineering teams and skilled trades personnel.

• Comfort supporting new industrial automated machinery from concept through commissioning.

• Attention to detail in documentation, schematic development, and configuration management.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple project-based assignments concurrently.

• Effective communication skills to convey technical information to diverse stakeholders.

• Interest in contributing to research and development initiatives and expanding automation solutions into new applications.

Work Environment

This role is based in both office and factory settings, with most time spent in an office environment designing and planning control system projects, and periodic time on the factory floor supporting installations, testing, and troubleshooting. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position involves approximately 20% travel to Franklin, Indiana, to support projects and collaborate with on-site teams. You will work with modern automation technologies including Rockwell, Omron, Ignition, and other SCADA platforms, as well as medium voltage equipment such as transformers, switchgears, and switchboards. The environment supports project-based R&D work rather than routine factory firefighting, offering opportunities to innovate and collaborate within a technically focused engineering culture.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fort Wayne, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $53.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fort Wayne, IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Fort Wayne,IN.

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.