Controls Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Engineer Job Description

This role focuses on designing, programming, and supporting complex industrial control systems for a high-volume manufacturing environment. The controls engineer initiates control system design from written sequences of operation, develops detailed piping and wiring diagrams, and delivers robust automation solutions that support production, quality, and continuous improvement. The position combines hands-on troubleshooting with design, programming, and technical leadership across machine controls, robotics, and automation projects.

• Initiate and develop control system designs based on written sequences of operation and project requirements.
• Engineer and design pneumatic piping diagrams to support automated equipment and systems.
• Engineer and design electrical wiring diagrams for machine controls, panels, and associated equipment.
• Engineer and design hydraulic piping diagrams for automated and semi-automated systems.
• Design electrical control panels, including layout, component selection, and documentation.
• Design and program programmable logic controller (PLC) software, including ladder logic and related control strategies.
• Design and program human machine interface (HMI) software, including screen layouts, operator interactions, and diagnostics.
• Apply programmable machine controls hardware and software to new and existing equipment.
• Configure and support servo drive hardware and software, including motion control and drive tuning.
• Develop, integrate, and support automation solutions involving robotics, test systems, instrumentation, and vision systems.
• Try out, debug, and provide start-up support for control systems to ensure reliable operation and compliance with specifications.
• Provide on-site technical support for installation of tools, equipment, and control systems.
• Provide technical support and training to plant personnel on operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of control systems.
• Troubleshoot controls-related automation equipment breakdowns in a high-pressure, high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical schematics and machine control circuits.
• Support and optimize machine controls, robotics, test systems, PLCs, instrumentation, and vision systems in production.
• Program and troubleshoot Fanuc robotic systems at a basic to intermediate level.
• Implement and support Ethernet/IP industrial networks and related communication architectures.
• Program and support servo drives, motion control systems, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Apply and adhere to basic electrical and safety standards in all designs and implementations.
• Lead and take ownership of tasks, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating work with trades, contractors, and internal teams.
• Collaborate closely with maintenance, production, quality, suppliers, and central manufacturing engineering teams to support production needs.
• Participate in daily carryover and stand-up meetings to review priorities, ongoing issues, and project status.
• Review and respond to emails and shift handover communications to understand priority issues and ongoing concerns.
• Travel to plant sites as required to support installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and project activities.
• Provide supervision and guidance to team members or contractors as needed to complete control systems projects.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to projects that expand and modernize manufacturing operations.

• Proficiency in the application of programmable machine controls hardware and software.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, preferably with Logix 5000 and/or Studio 5000 platforms.
• HMI programming experience, preferably with Rockwell FactoryTalk View.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for creating and modifying electrical and piping diagrams.
• Proficiency with servo drive hardware and software, including motion control applications.
• Ability to read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical schematics and machine control circuits.
• Minimum 3 years of experience troubleshooting controls-related automation equipment breakdowns in a high-pressure manufacturing environment.
• Basic experience with Fanuc robotics, including programming and troubleshooting.
• Strong comprehension of Ethernet/IP industrial networks and their application in industrial automation.
• Understanding and programming experience with servo drives, motion control systems, and VFDs.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with maintenance, production, suppliers, and engineering teams.
• Capability to supervise and provide direction to others when required.
• Ability to work flexible hours and rotate shifts as required by plant operations.
• Familiarity with basic electrical standards relevant to industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with basic safety standards applicable to industrial automation and manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field.
• 5–7 years of experience in controls engineering, including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and automation in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations, including machine controls, robotics, test systems, PLCs, instrumentation, and vision systems.

• Experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLC platforms and control systems.
• Experience with Rockwell FactoryTalk View for HMI development and support.
• Experience with Fanuc controls and robotics in an industrial environment.
• Experience with automation, robotics, and troubleshooting in high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience with vision systems programming, preferably with Matrox platforms.
• Prior experience in automotive, vehicle assembly, or industrial automation environments.
• Experience with test systems, instrumentation, and integrated automation solutions.
• Demonstrated leadership and ownership of tasks, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating work with trades and contractors.
• Ability to support multiple projects simultaneously while responding to real-time production needs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation, design, and troubleshooting.
• Interest in long-term growth opportunities, including potential conversion to direct employment and advancement within a large manufacturing organization.

The role is based in a high-volume manufacturing facility that produces global propulsion systems and plays a critical role in the organization’s portfolio for gas engines. The environment is fast-paced and production-focused, with a strong emphasis on uptime, quality, and continuous improvement. The controls engineer works within a team of approximately 12 people and collaborates closely with production, quality, maintenance, suppliers, and central manufacturing engineering groups. The workday typically includes team carryover and brief stand-up meetings at the start of the shift to review top priorities, ongoing issues, and project work, as well as a carryover meeting at the end of the day to ensure smooth handover to the next shift. Engineers regularly review emails and shift reports to understand urgent issues and items that require monitoring. The role involves hands-on work on the plant floor with machine controls, robotics, test systems, PLCs, instrumentation, and vision systems, as well as time spent at a workstation using tools such as AutoCAD and various PLC and HMI development environments. Flexible hours and rotating shifts may be required to support plant operations and address production needs. Occasional travel to plant sites is required for installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and project support. The culture emphasizes being a workplace of choice, internal promotion, and opportunities for long-term career growth, including the possibility of extension and conversion to direct employment within a large manufacturing organization.

This is a Contract position based out of Buffalo, NY.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $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)

This is a fully onsite position in Buffalo,NY.

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.

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.