Process Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Process Controls Engineer Job Description

The Process Controls Engineer supports municipal wastewater treatment projects from initial design through final startup and commissioning. You will take full ownership of projects, working independently across all phases of the project lifecycle, including control panel design, PLC and SCADA programming, system integration, testing, and on-site startup support. Projects vary in size and complexity, offering a mix of remote engineering work and field-based commissioning, with travel requirements that fluctuate depending on project phase and location.

• Design and develop control panels for municipal wastewater treatment and related industrial applications.
• Configure, program, and troubleshoot SCADA systems, with a focus on VTScada or similar platforms.
• Develop, program, and test PLC-based control systems for pumps, valves, instrumentation, and process equipment.
• Implement and tune analog control systems, including PID loops for pressure, flow, level, and other process variables.
• Design and integrate pump control, valve control, and related process control strategies for water and wastewater systems.
• Develop HMI screens and operator interfaces for monitoring and controlling process systems.
• Integrate field instrumentation, including pressure, flow, level, temperature, and analytical instruments, into control systems.
• Participate in system integration activities, ensuring seamless communication between PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, and field devices.
• Perform testing, simulation, and factory acceptance tests (FAT) to validate control system performance prior to deployment.
• Provide on-site startup and commissioning support, including system checkout, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Support the development and configuration of historian systems and high-availability SCADA architectures when applicable.
• Apply cybersecurity fundamentals and best practices to industrial control system environments.
• Collaborate with project teams, customers, and field personnel to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and ensure successful project delivery.
• Document designs, configurations, and test results to support project handover and long-term system maintenance.
• Travel to customer sites for day trips and overnight stays as needed during commissioning and field support phases.

• Hands-on SCADA experience, with VTScada strongly preferred.
• Electrical design experience focused on industrial control panels.
• Proficiency in analog control systems, including pumps, valves, instrumentation, and pressure and flow control applications.
• Experience implementing and tuning PID loops for process control.
• Background in process control for water, wastewater, or similar industrial environments.
• PLC programming and HMI development experience using modern industrial automation platforms.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects from design through startup and commissioning.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25–30% of the time, including day trips and periodic overnight stays.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for control systems, instrumentation, and SCADA applications.

• Experience with Opto 22 platforms, including PAC Control.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with design requirements for hazardous locations (such as Class I, Division 1 and Division 2).
• Familiarity with industrial instrumentation including pressure, flow, level, temperature, and analytical instruments.
• Scripting or development skills in HTML and CSS.
• Experience working with relational databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL.
• Experience with Rockwell FactoryTalk View SE/ME, Wonderware, AVEVA System Platform, PAC Display, or Groov View.
• Knowledge of OPC UA, historian configuration (for example, OSIsoft PI or Ignition Historian), and high-availability SCADA architectures.
• Understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals and frameworks (such as IEC and NIST) as applied to industrial control system environments.
• Experience in industries such as water and wastewater, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, steel mills, or food and beverage.
• Interest in gaining or expanding municipal wastewater experience.

The role offers a blend of remote design work and field-based startup activities. During design phases, you may work from home or an office with little to no travel for extended periods, while travel typically increases during commissioning. Average travel is approximately 25–30%, with most customers located in the greater Lansing and Detroit areas, making many trips within driving distance. Some projects require overnight stays that can range from 1–2 weeks, occasionally longer, with opportunities to return home on weekends for extended assignments. When traveling, day-trip fuel expenses are covered via a company credit card, and overnight travel includes a company credit card for expenses, hotel accommodations, and a daily meal per diem. The standard schedule is typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility to start earlier or later as needed, and an approximate 45-hour work week where hours over 40 are compensated at time and a half. The environment centers on industrial and municipal facilities, working with PLCs, SCADA systems, control panels, and field instrumentation in water and wastewater treatment and related industries. Dress expectations align with professional industrial and field conditions, including appropriate attire and personal protective equipment when on-site.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lansing, MI.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $50.00/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 hybrid position in Lansing,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 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.