Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and troubleshoots PLCs, HMIs, robotics, frequency drives, electric clusters, network communication, and other automated control systems to support reliable and efficient production operations. This role provides hands-on technical support for production equipment, drives process improvements, and ensures that control systems are well-documented, safe, and optimized for performance.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems, HMIs, robotics, frequency drives, electric clusters, and related automation equipment to support production operations.
• Provide timely technical support for production equipment to minimize downtime and maximize overall equipment effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to implement new equipment, automation solutions, and process improvements.
• Develop, update, and maintain accurate electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation for all control systems.
• Support and enhance preventive maintenance programs for automated equipment, ensuring alignment with safety and environmental standards.
• Lead root cause analysis for equipment and control system failures and implement effective corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Assist with the installation, commissioning, and validation of new machinery, automation systems, and control upgrades.
• Train maintenance and production personnel on the proper operation, adjustment, and troubleshooting of control systems and related equipment.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing productivity, improving quality, and reducing waste within production processes.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in PLC programming and troubleshooting in a production or industrial environment.
• Hands-on experience with controls engineering, including design, implementation, and support of automated control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for PLCs, HMIs, robotics, frequency drives, and other automation components.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control documentation.
• Solid understanding of network communication as it relates to industrial control systems.
• Capability to perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for equipment and control system issues.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams and to train end users.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting preventive maintenance programs for automated equipment.
• Experience in commissioning and validating new machinery and automation systems.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies and practices within a manufacturing or production setting.
• Ability to document procedures and best practices for operation and troubleshooting of control systems.

Work Environment

The role operates primarily in a production and manufacturing environment that relies on automated equipment and industrial control systems. The Controls Engineer works closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams on the plant floor and in technical workspaces, interacting frequently with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, frequency drives, and networked control devices. The position may require time both at a computer for programming and documentation and on the production floor for troubleshooting, commissioning, and training activities. Standard working hours typically align with production schedules, with occasional additional time as needed to support critical equipment, system startups, or improvement projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Dalton, GA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $85000.00/yr.

401k, health, dental, vision

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Dalton,GA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 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.