Controls Engineer

About the role

The Controls Engineer II designs, programs, and integrates software and hardware solutions for CNC lathes and associated automation equipment. This role focuses on ladder logic, PLC, HMI, and CNC programming to create complete automated systems that meet customer specifications and industry safety standards. You collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams, support projects from concept through commissioning, and travel to customer sites to install, modify, and debug control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, modify, and integrate software and hardware control systems for CNC lathes and peripheral automation equipment.
• Use ladder logic programming and proprietary control software to control CNC lathes and integrate peripheral automation equipment.
• Develop PLC, HMI, and related logic to meet customer standards and project requirements.
• Apply project programming guidelines to design systems that comply with customer specifications and adhere to industry safety standards.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical design teams to develop I/O lists and define equipment functions and automatic operation.
• Support projects from initial design through completion, including installation, testing, and commissioning.
• Prepare and submit status reports to engineering and project leadership on the progress of assigned projects as required.
• Attend customer meetings and design review sessions to gather requirements, present solutions, and address technical questions.
• Travel to customer facilities to install, modify, test, and debug control software and automation systems.
• Manage time effectively to support multiple concurrent projects while meeting customer delivery schedules.
• Work as part of the controls department to achieve project and departmental goals while also operating independently with moderate supervision.
• Coordinate with other departments within the machine tools division as required to support project execution and engineering initiatives.
• Research and develop new equipment and processes that can be interfaced with existing machines, staying current with emerging technologies in automation.
• Create clear and accurate technical documents, including reports, procedures, and programming documentation.
• Interpret technical instructions, diagrams, and specifications to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Software Engineering (BSSE), Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEET), or an equivalent technical degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Approximately four or more years of related controls engineering experience and/or training in industrial automation environments.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and motion controls in industrial applications.
• Proficiency with ladder logic programming for automation and machine control.
• Experience integrating CNC machines, automation equipment, AGVs, robots, PLCs, and HMIs into cohesive control systems.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Ability to write clear reports, business correspondence, procedure manuals, and technical documents.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and other stakeholders.
• Strong mathematical skills, including the ability to apply advanced concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, permutations, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
• Strong analytical and reasoning ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret complex technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and work with both abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally, including overnight stays, with specific travel expectations discussed in more detail during the interview process.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and ability to obtain a passport.

Skills

• Experience with FANUC controls and CNC programming, which is a significant plus.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and related programming environments.
• Knowledge of Mitsubishi PLC systems is advantageous.
• Experience with robot programming and interfacing robots with CNC and automation systems.
• Exposure to automated guided vehicles (AGVs), industrial robots, and advanced material handling systems.
• Experience in control systems engineering within machine tools, automated material handling, or textile machinery is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively in a team environment and independently with moderate supervision.
• Interest in and ability to stay current with cutting-edge industrial automation technologies.
• Motivation to grow within a clearly defined career path in an industry-leading organization.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, paid time off, gym reimbursement, and tuition reimbursement.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85,000.00 - $92,000.00/yr.

Work Environment

This role operates within a world-leading environment in machine tool technology, automated material handling systems, and textile machinery, where industrial automation and reliability are central to the product line. You work with cutting-edge technologies, including CNC lathes, PLCs, HMIs, robots, AGVs, and advanced control systems, in a professional engineering setting that emphasizes innovation and continuous improvement. The culture supports a clearly defined growth path and encourages collaboration across engineering and machine tools divisions. The position involves up to approximately 25% domestic and international travel, including overnight stays, with specific travel expectations discussed in more detail during the interview process. Work is typically performed in office and industrial shop or customer plant environments, requiring attention to safety standards and appropriate professional attire consistent with engineering and manufacturing settings.

Workplace Type

This is a Permanent position based out of Charlotte, NC.

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.