Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer supports highly automated, high‑volume manufacturing operations with a strong focus on PLC‑based control systems, robotics integration, and equipment reliability. In this role, you partner closely with manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering teams to support production, troubleshoot complex controls issues, and lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance uptime, throughput, and safety across the facility.

Responsibilities

• Support and improve automated manufacturing systems in a high‑volume production environment to ensure stable, reliable operations.
• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, robotics, and industrial network issues that impact production, responding quickly to minimize downtime.
• Support new equipment installations, upgrades, and system modifications, including commissioning and integration into existing systems.
• Analyze production data, fault logs, and downtime events to identify root causes and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain and update controls documentation, including electrical schematics, PLC programs, HMI configurations, and standards.
• Create and manage backups of PLC, HMI, and controls programs to ensure recoverability and compliance with internal standards.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams in manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering to improve system stability, uptime, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Contribute to continuous improvement projects focused on automation reliability, throughput, and process optimization.
• Support safe operation of automated equipment by ensuring controls systems align with safety standards and plant procedures.
• Provide hands‑on support on the plant floor during all assigned shifts, including weekends, to resolve controls issues in live production environments.

Essential Skills

• Experience supporting automation in high‑volume manufacturing operations.
• Hands‑on experience with PLCs in a production environment, including troubleshooting and programming.
• Hands‑on experience with HMIs, including configuration, diagnostics, and support.
• Experience with industrial networks used in automated manufacturing systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in live production environments, with the ability to quickly diagnose and resolve controls issues.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline.
• Willingness and ability to work all three shifts and weekends as required by the operation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in controls engineering within a high‑volume, multi‑shift manufacturing plant.
• Experience working with robotics and integrated automated systems.
• Familiarity with maintaining controls standards, documentation, and backup procedures.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, including manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering.
• Interest in continuous improvement, automation reliability, and modern manufacturing technologies.
• Desire for career growth within a large original equipment manufacturer (OEM) environment and exposure to cross‑plant standards and best practices.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large, high‑volume manufacturing facility. You spend approximately 75% of your time in the production/manufacturing environment on the plant floor and about 25% in an engineering office setting. Personal protective equipment is required at all times in production areas, including safety glasses, high‑visibility vests, and arm covers. The facility features extensive automation, controls, robotics, conveyors, and tooling, offering exposure to modern manufacturing systems and long‑term, stable operations within a large network.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Peters, MO.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $36.00/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 fully onsite position in Saint Peters,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.