Entry Level Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer
Job Description
This role focuses on supporting a large-scale PLC code deployment and optimization initiative across multiple existing facilities. You will help transition operations from a core network to a cloud-based infrastructure by extracting, analyzing, and modeling PLC code so that equipment OEE data can be accurately interpreted and consumed by a cloud data lake. The position blends controls engineering and software development, offering exposure to modern cloud, scripting, and backend environments while working closely with site engineering teams.
Responsibilities

• Analyze existing PLC site code from multiple facilities to support a new optimization and cloud migration project.
• Identify and document the number of PLCs at each assigned site and determine the specific function, inputs, and outputs of each PLC.
• Create accurate PLC data models and input/output mappings so cloud systems can correctly interpret equipment OEE data for the data lake.
• Interpret PLC tags and ladder logic to understand how each PLC interacts with equipment and other control systems.
• Bridge controls engineering and software by working within scripting and development environments to support PLC-related data applications.
• Run scripts, modify code and packages, and interact with backend systems through a Linux-based command line interface and IDE such as VS Code.
• Review and interpret technical drawings, system schematics, and related documentation to ensure accurate data modeling and deployment.
• Package and deploy data models and related information back to the lead project manager or engineer for reintegration at each site.
• Troubleshoot issues in a remote environment, diagnose data or code discrepancies, and implement corrective actions efficiently.
• Work independently on task-based projects, managing assignments across numerous sites and meeting aggressive monthly deployment targets.
• Collaborate with a distributed engineering team, communicate progress clearly, and escalate technical challenges when needed.
• Demonstrate high initiative and a strong bias for action to drive site completion and support continuous improvement of the deployment process.

Essential Skills

• Strong software foundation paired with exposure to PLC systems and controls engineering.
• Ability to understand how PLCs function and how they integrate within broader control architectures.
• Capability to interpret PLC tags and ladder logic to derive system behavior and data flow.
• Experience with PLC programming and controls engineering, including support of engineering, controls, or commissioning-related projects.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, system schematics, and detailed engineering documentation.
• Proficiency working in a Linux-based development environment using a command line interface.
• Experience using an integrated development environment (IDE) such as Visual Studio Code.
• Comfort running scripts, modifying code and packages, and interacting with backend systems in a software or scripting environment.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills in a remote, distributed engineering setting.
• Comfort working independently in a fully remote, fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
• 1-2 years of programming experience or strong programming-focused internships.
• Bachelor's degree in Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated high initiative and a bias for action to drive completion of technical projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to effectively bridge controls (PLC systems) and modern software or scripting environments.
• Familiarity with Linux-based tools and workflows is strongly preferred.
• Preferred experience with scripting or software development in Python or Java.
• Experience supporting multi-site engineering or commissioning projects is a plus.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with remote team members and site leads.
• Software development or exposure to backend systems is highly beneficial.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to sites if regionally aligned to the facility time zone.
• Interest in long-term career growth with potential for future full-time opportunities.

Work Environment
This is a fully remote, fast-paced role where you work primarily through a Linux-based command line interface and an IDE such as VS Code to run scripts, modify code, and interact with backend systems. Work is highly task-based, with engineers collectively deploying PLC-related data models to a large number of sites each month (for example, approximately 30 sites in June, 40 in July, and up to 70 sites per month in August and September, shared across a team of four). You will collaborate with a distributed engineering team while maintaining a high degree of independence and ownership over assigned sites. While the role is remote, there is a preference for at least some team members to be located near Nashville or regionally aligned to similar time zones to facilitate potential site travel when needed. The environment emphasizes initiative, rapid execution, and the opportunity to gain meaningful exposure to large-scale industrial optimization and cloud migration projects.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Nashville, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $40.00/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 remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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.


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