Automation Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer / PLC Programmer
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer / PLC Programmer to join a long-term contract supporting a large-scale production facility. This role involves maintaining and improving plant control systems, troubleshooting automation issues, and driving continuous improvement within a fast-paced industrial environment. The position offers the opportunity to work with both legacy and modern automation systems, providing a diverse and challenging work experience.
Responsibilities

• Modify, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC programs supporting manufacturing operations.
• Diagnose and resolve controls-related production issues.
• Support manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering personnel with automation tasks.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot HMI applications.
• Support SCADA systems and industrial communications networks.
• Perform root cause analysis of automation and process control failures.
• Execute startup, testing, commissioning, and validation activities related to control system modifications.
• Support both day-to-day operational needs and larger capital improvement projects.
• Maintain controls documentation, backups, and version control practices.
• Provide support for legacy automation systems as well as newer technologies.

Essential Skills

• Strong industrial automation experience within manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience maintaining and supporting legacy control systems.
• Ability to diagnose issues with hardware, Field I/O, instrumentation, sensors, and VFDs.
• Experience working with HMI and SCADA platforms.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix and CompactLogix.
• Familiarity with industrial Ethernet networks and FactoryTalk products.
• Strong PLC troubleshooting ability and manufacturing plant support experience.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Comfortable interacting directly with production and maintenance personnel.
• Hands-on approach to automation reliability and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of ISA, IEC, and NFPA standards.
• Experience with systems integration best practices.

Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Irving, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00/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 Irving,TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 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.