Controls Engineer

About the role

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, tests, and commissions advanced control systems for aerospace automation projects. This role supports full project lifecycle delivery, from initial software development through on-site installation and customer buy-off, directly impacting system performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction. You collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, and project teams to ensure precise, high-quality automation solutions that meet demanding timelines and technical requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test control systems software, including PLC logic and HMI interfaces, for complex automation equipment.
• Program PLCs such as Allen-Bradley and Siemens from scratch, ensuring robust, maintainable, and safe control architectures.
• Configure and commission servo drives and CNC systems, including drive parameters, motion profiles, and integration with control platforms.
• Support system installation and commissioning at customer facilities, including troubleshooting, tuning, and final validation of equipment performance.
• Collaborate with engineering, design, manufacturing, and project management teams to define requirements, refine system specifications, and resolve technical issues.
• Participate in full project lifecycle activities, from concept and design reviews through factory acceptance, site installation, and customer buy-off.
• Ensure electrical power and distribution systems are properly integrated with control hardware and software, following relevant standards and best practices.
• Adapt to tight project timelines and evolving customer requirements while maintaining high levels of precision and quality during commissioning.
• Provide on-site technical support during startup, including diagnosing and resolving control system, drive, and CNC-related issues.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance system performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to support project lifecycle management, documentation, and effective communication with stakeholders.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in controls engineering or a closely related automation engineering role.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming, including Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and similar platforms, with the ability to program systems from scratch.
• Practical expertise in CNC programming and drive configuration, particularly within aerospace-related tooling or automation environments.
• Knowledge of electrical power and distribution systems as they relate to industrial control and automation equipment.
• Experience configuring and commissioning servo drives and motion control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to support on-site system installation, commissioning, and customer buy-off activities.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 30% domestically to customer facilities for commissioning and support.
• Background specifically in commissioning controls engineering, rather than solely plant controls or maintenance-focused roles.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex control system issues under time constraints.
• Proactive and detail-oriented approach to engineering tasks, documentation, and quality assurance.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills for working with cross-functional teams and customer stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Experience working in aerospace or defense manufacturing environments is highly beneficial.
• Exposure to simulation tools or advanced automation platforms used in complex manufacturing or tooling applications.
• Familiarity with project lifecycle management processes, including requirements definition, design reviews, testing, and acceptance.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams that include design, manufacturing, and project management professionals.
• Interest in technical growth, leadership opportunities, and contributing innovative ideas to improve automation solutions.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, project-driven environment with high customer expectations.
• Strong commitment to safety, precision, and collaborative work practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in aerospace or defense manufacturing environments is highly beneficial.
• Exposure to simulation tools or advanced automation platforms used in complex manufacturing or tooling applications.
• Familiarity with project lifecycle management processes, including requirements definition, design reviews, testing, and acceptance.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams that include design, manufacturing, and project management professionals.
• Interest in technical growth, leadership opportunities, and contributing innovative ideas to improve automation solutions.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, project-driven environment with high customer expectations.
• Strong commitment to safety, precision, and collaborative work practices.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100,000.00 - $150,000.00/yr. BENEFITS Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance Life Insurance AD&D Insurance PTO 401k Match

Work Environment

This role is primarily on-site, with regular travel to customer facilities (approximately 30% domestic travel) to support installation and commissioning of aerospace automation systems. You work within manufacturing areas where safety glasses are mandatory and safety shoes are recommended, reflecting a strong culture of safety and precision. The organizational structure typically involves reporting to an Engineering or Integration leader while supporting cross-functional teams that include design, manufacturing, and project management. The team dynamic blends independent engineering work with close collaboration across disciplines in a fast-paced, project-driven setting. Standard hours follow a day shift schedule, with flexibility for off-shift or weekend work when project needs require it. The environment offers exposure to cutting-edge aerospace automation technology and large-scale tooling projects, along with competitive benefits such as retirement plan matching, medical, dental, and vision coverage, and paid time off, supporting long-term career growth in advanced aerospace automation.

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.