Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer oversees the development, execution, and delivery of new control system projects while also maintaining and improving existing equipment in a modern manufacturing facility. This role designs automation control systems, programs PLCs and HMIs, troubleshoots complex issues, and supports start-up commissioning of equipment. The Controls Engineer also supports overall team performance by mentoring associates, providing technical guidance, and driving continuous improvement in processes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Problem solve equipment control system issues and implement effective, sustainable improvements.
• Provide control system guidance for capital projects to equipment suppliers and installation contractors.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for facility engineering resources on control systems programming.
• Prepare project deliverables, including statements of work, status reports, and budget documentation.
• Ensure adherence to established engineering standards, methodologies, and best practices for control systems.
• Discuss technical needs with internal customers in clear, non-technical language to ensure understanding and alignment.
• Analyze customer requests, clarify needs, and document requirements in detailed Functional Specifications.
• Translate functional requirements into comprehensive System Design Specifications.
• Develop, configure, and modify PLC and HMI programs to comply with defined system requirements.
• Support commissioning activities, including start-up, testing, and validation of new or modified control systems.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, drives, and related automation equipment to restore reliable operation.
• Review and interpret electrical schematics to support design, troubleshooting, and modifications.
• Contribute to the design and optimization of automation systems involving rotors, stators, conveyor systems, and related equipment.
• Mentor and guide project team members to help them deliver on project and program requirements.
• Ensure customer acceptance of solutions by conducting testing and validation and by training users on changes to systems and business processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for process improvement in control systems and automation.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience programming industrial control systems, including PLCs and HMIs.
• At least 3 years of experience with industrial communication protocols and the ability to troubleshoot PLCs.
• At least 3 years of experience with PLC, HMI, and drives programming using Rockwell RSLogix/Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk View.
• Proficiency in PLC troubleshooting, including diagnosing and resolving control system faults.
• Experience with automation systems, including commissioning and start-up of equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics.
• Strong skills in Rockwell automation platforms, including Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk.
• Ability to translate customer needs into Functional Specifications and System Design Specifications.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts in non-technical language.
• Ability to prepare project documentation such as statements of work, status reports, and budgets.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with conveyor systems, rotors, and stators in an industrial environment.
• Familiarity with FactoryTalk View (FTV) for HMI development and support.
• Experience serving as a subject matter expert for control systems within a plant or engineering team.
• Experience in commissioning and validation of new or modified automation systems.
• Experience mentoring and training team members in control systems and automation.
• Exposure to flow-related systems or processes and the ability to act as a flow expert within automation projects.
• Interest in career growth within a rapidly expanding, new manufacturing facility.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in a plant environment and involves working hands-on with equipment most of the time. The facility is a brand-new location in Beaver Dam, WI and is in a strong growth phase, offering significant opportunities for advancement as the operation expands. The Controls Engineer works closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams on the plant floor, interacting directly with automation equipment, conveyor systems, and Rockwell-based control platforms. The environment is fast-paced and project-driven, with frequent involvement in commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities on live production equipment

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Beaver Dam, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $115.00/hr.

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 Beaver Dam,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 22, 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.

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.