Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role offers an experienced controls engineer the opportunity to design and implement complete control systems, from concept through commissioning, in a dynamic manufacturing environment. You will develop PLC-based control solutions, design electrical control panels, and create all supporting documentation to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant products. The position is ideal for a hands-on engineer who enjoys owning projects end-to-end and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design control system architectures for industrial products and equipment, ensuring robust, scalable, and maintainable solutions.

• Develop, program, and troubleshoot PLC applications, with a strong preference for Carel platforms, while also working with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar systems.

• Design electrical control panels, including panel layouts, wiring schemes, I/O layouts, and integration of analog and digital signals.

• Create and release detailed wiring diagrams, bills of materials (BOMs), and manufacturing work instructions to support production.

• Ensure all control panel and electrical designs meet applicable UL standards and safety requirements, including UL508A and related panel codes.

• Prepare and maintain manufacturing documentation to support consistent, high-quality builds in a low-to-mid volume manufacturing environment.

• Support testing, commissioning, and product validation activities, including functional testing of control systems and panels.

• Troubleshoot field and production issues by performing root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective actions.

• Collaborate closely with mechanical, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless integration of controls with overall product designs.

• Work in a hands-on capacity on the shop floor or in the lab, building, wiring, and testing control panels and assemblies as needed.

• Own projects from initial design through build, test, troubleshooting, and release, maintaining clear communication with stakeholders throughout.

• Participate in continuous improvement activities, identifying opportunities to enhance design standards, documentation, and manufacturing efficiency.

• Travel 1-3 days per month as needed to support commissioning, troubleshooting, or collaboration at other locations.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of controls engineering experience, ideally with a focus on product design.

• Proficiency in PLC programming, preferably with Carel platforms, and experience with other major PLC brands such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens.

• Strong electrical design experience, including control panel design, panel layout, panel wiring, and development of schematics and I/O layouts.

• Hands-on experience with electrical CAD tools such as EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical, or comparable software.

• Working knowledge of UL standards and panel requirements, including UL508A and related codes.

• Experience creating and managing bills of materials (BOMs) and detailed manufacturing documentation.

• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electrical and control system issues in both production and field environments.

• Manufacturing or production environments, with familiarity in electrical assembly and panel building.

• Ability to manage projects end-to-end, from design through build and troubleshooting, with minimal supervision.

• Strong problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to root cause analysis and corrective action.

• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with mechanical, manufacturing, and supply chain teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with HMI and/or SCADA systems for operator interfaces and system monitoring.

• Direct experience with UL submissions and working with external testing laboratories.

• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, and Profinet.

• Experience in low-to-mid volume manufacturing environments, including support of custom or semi-custom products.

• Exposure to PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems for managing designs, revisions, and documentation.

• Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.

• Experience with ULA or similar electrical codes is a strong plus.

• Demonstrated comfort working in fast-paced, evolving environments typical of startup or growth-oriented settings.

• Hands-on, "builder" mindset with a willingness to work directly on panels, wiring, and testing.

• Motivation to contribute to a culture of quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing environment with a hybrid option in Knoxville, TN or a remote option in West Michigan, supported by periodic on-site visits. You will work closely with production teams on the shop floor, where you will interact with electrical panels, wiring, test equipment, and industrial control hardware. The environment is fast-paced and collaborative, with frequent cross-functional interaction among engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain. Travel expectations are modest at approximately 1-3 days per month to support commissioning, troubleshooting, or collaboration at other facilities. The company offers billable holiday and paid time off, as well as the opportunity to participate in an equity package after a contract period, creating a compelling blend of stability and long-term upside for the right candidateL

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Knoxville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $67.31/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 onsite position in Knoxville,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 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.