Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, programming, and maintaining control systems that support the production of insulation sheets, damping materials, and heat shields for aerospace applications, as well as components for commercial vehicles such as semitrucks, industrial vehicles, farm equipment, dump trucks, and fire trucks. The Controls Engineer will lead controls programming, troubleshoot equipment issues, manage projects for new equipment installations and upgrades, and contribute to process engineering initiatives that drive efficiency, quality, and cost savings.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot control systems and PLCs for production equipment to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
• Perform ongoing machine and PLC upkeep, including preventive maintenance tasks, to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
• Diagnose and resolve controls-related issues on the production floor, supporting maintenance and operations teams in a timely manner.
• Integrate new PLCs and migrate legacy control systems to modern platforms, including updating legacy controllers to newer PLC solutions.
• Lead and manage projects for new equipment installations, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and coordinating with internal teams and external vendors.
• Act as project manager for controls-related initiatives by defining project scope, identifying areas for improvement, tracking progress, and ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.
• Collaborate with process engineering to conduct time studies and analyze production workflows to identify process improvements and efficiency gains.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and implementing cost savings opportunities in equipment, processes, and controls.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of databases and documentation related to control systems, equipment configurations, and project records.
• Apply principles of 5S and lean methodologies to improve equipment layouts, workflows, and overall operational efficiency.
• Work closely with engineering and maintenance teams to ensure new equipment and upgrades meet safety, quality, and performance requirements.
• Use CAD tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks to review or support the design of control panels, layouts, and related mechanical or electrical components as needed.

Essential Skills

• 1-5 years of controls engineering experience, including programming, modifications, and troubleshooting of control systems and PLCs.
• Proven ability to manage projects, including keeping projects on schedule, maintaining budgets, and clearly defining scopes and areas for improvement.
• Demonstrated capability to analyze production processes, identify bottlenecks, and propose improvements and cost savings opportunities.
• Hands-on experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLCs and related control platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for diagnosing and resolving equipment and controls issues in a production environment.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams in a manufacturing setting.
• Solid understanding of preventive maintenance practices for control systems and production equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred, ideally in electrical engineering, controls engineering, automation, or a related technical field.
• Experience using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other CAD tools to support control system or equipment design.
• Familiarity with 5S and lean manufacturing principles and their application in a production environment.
• Experience in process engineering support, including time studies, process improvement, and continuous improvement projects.
• Experience working with databases or documentation systems related to equipment configurations and control programs.
• Exposure to aerospace or commercial vehicle manufacturing environments is beneficial.
• Interest in developing and expanding project management skills, including leading cross-functional initiatives.

Work Environment

The role is primarily based in a production floor and office setting, working closely with the engineering and maintenance teams. The facility has approximately 200 employees on-site, with an additional larger workforce in a nearby facility, and benefits from the support and resources of a large global corporation. The culture emphasizes trust, autonomy, and collaboration, allowing individuals to take ownership of their work while having access to support when needed. Contractors are treated similarly to internal employees, with opportunities for long-term employment based on performance and achievement of goals. The environment offers exposure to modern control technologies, production equipment, and continuous improvement practices, providing strong experience in project management and a solid platform for professional growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Indianapolis, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/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 Indianapolis,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.