Controls Engineer

Responsibilities

• Develop control software for PLC and embedded controllers to operate industrial and mobile equipment.
• Design, program, and optimize HMI/operator displays to ensure user-friendly and efficient operation.
• Translate product requirements and customer needs into clear, actionable software requirements and specifications.
• Implement and test control algorithms for motors, valves, hydraulic systems, and various sensors.
• Perform unit and integration testing on machines to verify performance, reliability, and safety.
• Lead or participate in software and HMI design reviews to ensure quality, maintainability, and adherence to standards.
• Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, service, and product teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for field, customer, or warranty issues as needed.
• Contribute to technical documentation, including test plans, work instructions, and troubleshooting guides.
• Create software that defines machine behavior and ensures consistent, reliable operation.
• Create HMI screens that allow operators to monitor and control equipment effectively.
• Connect and control components such as motors, valves, hydraulics, and sensors within the control system.
• Diagnose and resolve issues when equipment is not running properly to minimize downtime.
• Integrate PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and networks into fully functioning systems.
• Occasionally travel domestically and internationally for testing, commissioning, or system integration activities.
• Interface with customers and provide field support when required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience developing control software for industrial or mobile equipment.
• Hands-on experience with PLC or embedded control systems, including Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms.
• Proficiency in C, C++, or Structured Text programming for control and embedded applications.
• Experience in HMI development for industrial or mobile equipment.
• Strong understanding of integrating sensors and actuators, including pressure, temperature, motors, valves, and hydraulics.
• Demonstrated ability in PLC and controls programming, including ladder logic and structured text.
• Strong troubleshooting and system-level problem-solving skills for complex machinery.
• Experience writing, testing, and troubleshooting PLC programs.
• Experience with off-road or mobile construction equipment control systems.
• Familiarity with CodeSys and ladder logic programming environments.
• Knowledge of CAN bus, Ethernet, or other industrial networking technologies.
• Experience with hydraulic control systems and their integration into control architectures.
• Understanding of 12V and 24V DC electrical systems used in mobile or industrial applications.
• Exposure to telematics or machine connectivity solutions.
• Experience interfacing directly with customers and supporting field service activities.
• Experience in automation and controls engineering in an industrial setting.
• Experience with HMI programming and designing user-friendly operator screens.

Work Environment

This role is primarily onsite, working closely with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, service, and product teams in a collaborative engineering environment. The position offers the opportunity for a flexible schedule, aligned with project and operational needs. You will work with PLCs, embedded controllers, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and industrial networking technologies to develop and support control systems. The role includes occasional travel, including trips to Tennessee and other domestic or international locations, for testing, commissioning, and system integration activities. The environment emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous improvement within a growing engineering team.

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.