Entry Level Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

This hands-on Data & Control Systems Engineer role supports the integration, commissioning, activation, and operation of advanced industrial control and fluid process systems that enable critical launch infrastructure. The position focuses on bringing PLC-based systems online, validating performance, troubleshooting issues in the field, and ensuring that installed automation, instrumentation, and control systems operate as intended. You will collaborate closely with controls engineers, technicians, operations teams, and vendors to deploy and support PLC-based control systems, SCADA platforms, instrumentation networks, and remote I/O architectures. This opportunity is well suited for an early-career engineer with 6–18 months of relevant experience who enjoys working directly with hardware and field operations in a highly technical, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Deploy, configure, activate, and commission PLC-based automation systems for advanced industrial and fluid process applications.
• Commission and validate PLC-to-SCADA communications and control functionality to ensure reliable system operation.
• Verify remote I/O networks, instrumentation channels, and system communications for accuracy and completeness.
• Perform startup, checkout, and troubleshooting activities for newly installed control and automation systems.
• Support activation and operational readiness of critical infrastructure equipment associated with launch and process systems.
• Conduct field walkdowns to confirm that installations match engineering drawings, P&IDs, and design intent.
• Validate instrumentation readings, sensor signals, valve control functionality, and I/O channel assignments in the field.
• Troubleshoot field issues involving instrumentation, controls, automation, and electrical systems to restore proper operation.
• Ensure systems are fully functional and meet performance requirements before turnover to operations teams.
• Support highly automated fluid handling and process control systems during commissioning and operation.
• Collaborate with vendors and installation teams during fabrication and construction activities to ensure proper integration of control systems.
• Answer technical questions and resolve integration issues throughout project execution and commissioning phases.
• Review and verify incoming equipment, panels, instrumentation, and controls packages for compliance with specifications.
• Assist with technical acceptance testing and commissioning activities for industrial control and automation systems.
• Update and modify electrical drawings, control schematics, and system documentation to reflect as-built conditions.
• Interpret and review P&IDs, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and system layouts to support installation and troubleshooting.
• Ensure documentation accurately reflects field installations, system changes, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support continuous improvement of automation, controls, and data acquisition systems through feedback from field performance.
• Analyze system performance and operational data to identify trends, issues, and opportunities for optimization.
• Identify and resolve reliability, instrumentation, and controls issues to improve system uptime and performance.
• Support a fast-paced manufacturing and operational environment where priorities can shift quickly and require flexible response.

Essential Skills

• 6–18 months of relevant experience gained through internships, co-ops, research projects, engineering projects, or industry roles involving controls, automation, or industrial systems.
• Exposure to industrial automation, controls, or PLC-based systems in a commissioning, operations, or support capacity.
• Strong electrical engineering fundamentals, including understanding of Ohm's Law, power distribution basics, conductor sizing, breakers and fuses, and electrical troubleshooting principles.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control drawings used in industrial control systems.
• Exposure to PLC platforms such as Siemens, Rockwell / Allen-Bradley, National Instruments, or similar industrial automation platforms.
• Ability and desire to work in a hands-on field engineering environment, spending time at installations and operating facilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience commissioning industrial control systems, including startup, validation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience integrating PLCs with SCADA systems for monitoring, control, and data acquisition.
• Siemens PLC experience supporting configuration, programming, or commissioning activities.
• Experience with industrial networking and communications protocols such as Profinet, Modbus, and EtherNet/IP.
• Understanding of remote I/O architectures, instrumentation systems, pressure transducers, automated valve controls, and process control systems.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs for process and control system design, installation, and troubleshooting.
• Experience using Electrical CAD software such as EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical to review or update control documentation.
• Experience supporting environments such as manufacturing facilities, process industries, utilities, energy systems, industrial automation environments, semiconductor facilities, or aerospace operations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with highly automated fluid handling and process control systems is beneficial.
• Experience in commissioning or supporting critical infrastructure equipment and launch-related systems is advantageous.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and performance analysis tools used in industrial environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including technicians, operations personnel, and external vendors.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to diagnosing and resolving instrumentation and control issues.
• Comfort working in dynamic project environments where requirements and priorities can evolve quickly.
• Attention to detail in maintaining accurate documentation and ensuring that system changes are clearly captured.
• Interest in continuous learning and professional growth in industrial automation, controls engineering, and field operations.

Work Environment

The role operates in a highly technical, fast-paced industrial environment that supports critical launch and process infrastructure. You will split time between office-based engineering work and hands-on field activities at manufacturing, process, utilities, energy, industrial automation, semiconductor, or aerospace-related facilities. Work involves interacting directly with PLC-based control systems, SCADA platforms, instrumentation networks, remote I/O architectures, and electrical panels, as well as using Electrical CAD tools such as EPLAN and AutoCAD Electrical. You will participate in fabrication, construction, commissioning, and operational support activities, including field walkdowns, equipment checkout, and troubleshooting. The environment emphasizes safety, precision, and collaboration, with exposure to active industrial areas and automated fluid handling systems. Hours may vary based on project and commissioning schedules, and priorities can shift quickly to meet operational needs, requiring flexibility and responsiveness.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cocoa, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $41.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cocoa, FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.