Controls Engineer

About the role

The Controls Engineer provides multi-site engineering support for manufacturing operations, capital projects, equipment installations, automation systems, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role works closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and OEM suppliers to enhance equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, safety, and overall production performance across multiple facilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, troubleshoot, and improve industrial electrical systems to support reliable and efficient manufacturing operations.
• Develop, modify, and support PLC programs, including Allen-Bradley platforms, to optimize automation performance.
• Create and maintain HMI applications to provide clear, user-friendly operator interfaces and process visibility.
• Configure, support, and maintain industrial networking infrastructure to ensure robust communication between control systems and equipment.
• Maintain, update, and organize electrical drawings and control schematics to reflect current system configurations and standards.
• Aid with startup, commissioning, and debugging of new production equipment to achieve stable and efficient operation.
• Support automation upgrades and standardize controls across multiple facilities to drive consistency and best practices.
• Collaborate with OEMs, system integrators, and contractors on controls-related projects to ensure successful implementation and integration.
• Coordinate with mechanical engineers to improve reliability and performance of production lines.
• Participate in capital projects and equipment installations, providing technical input and ensuring proper integration of electrical and controls systems.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Quality teams to identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities in safety, efficiency, and throughput.

Requirements

• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting, preferably with Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Experience in HMI development and industrial networking for manufacturing and automation systems.
• Ability to use AutoCAD or similar CAD software to create and modify electrical drawings and control schematics.
• Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, including 480V power distribution, motor control centers (MCCs), and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Hands-on skills in mechanical equipment design and troubleshooting within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in project management and coordination with contractors, OEMs, and system integrators.
• Knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, conveyors, ovens, packaging equipment, and process systems used in industrial production.

Qualifications

• Background in automation engineering or controls engineering in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Ability to work effectively across multiple facilities and collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Operations, Maintenance, and Quality.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset focused on safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Capability to standardize controls and automation practices across different sites to drive consistency and performance.

Skills

• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting, preferably with Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Experience in HMI development and industrial networking for manufacturing and automation systems.
• Ability to use AutoCAD or similar CAD software to create and modify electrical drawings and control schematics.
• Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, including 480V power distribution, motor control centers (MCCs), and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Hands-on skills in mechanical equipment design and troubleshooting within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in project management and coordination with contractors, OEMs, and system integrators.
• Knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, conveyors, ovens, packaging equipment, and process systems used in industrial production.

Benefits

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)

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/hr.

Work Environment

The role supports a multi-site manufacturing environment, including a newly built bakery facility in Columbus with significant investment in modern production and automation technologies. The Controls Engineer works around industrial equipment such as conveyors, ovens, packaging machinery, and process systems, as well as electrical infrastructure including 480V systems, MCCs, VFDs, and industrial networks. The position involves collaboration with Operations, Maintenance, Quality teams, OEM suppliers, system integrators, and contractors, and may require time on the production floor during equipment installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities. Work is performed in a professional industrial setting with a focus on safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Work Environment

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus, OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.