Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting a large-scale PLC code deployment and optimization project, migrating existing facilities from a core network to a cloud-based infrastructure. You will help enable a new data application by extracting, modeling, and standardizing PLC data so that overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) information flows accurately into a cloud data lake. Working closely with a lead project manager or engineer for each site, you will build PLC data models and support reintegration of updated code, all within a fast-paced, fully remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Support PLC code deployment for existing facilities as part of a new optimization project focused on cloud migration.
• Pull and consolidate existing PLC site code from multiple current sites to prepare for cloud integration.
• Create accurate PLC data models and inputs that reflect how many PLCs are at each site and what their functions, inputs, and outputs are.
• Ensure OEE and other equipment data are structured so the cloud infrastructure and data lake can accurately interpret and process the information.
• Work on assigned sites, develop the corresponding PLC data models, and deliver them back to the lead project manager or engineer for reintegration.
• Interpret technical drawings, system schematics, and documentation to understand existing control systems and data flows.
• Troubleshoot issues related to PLC programming, data modeling, and integration in a remote environment.
• Collaborate with engineering, controls, and commissioning-related teams to support project goals and timelines.
• Manage task-based work independently, maintaining a high level of initiative and bias for action to complete site assignments on schedule.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of deployment processes and documentation as the volume of site deployments increases month over month.

Essential Skills

• Experience with PLC programming and controls engineering.
• Experience supporting engineering, controls, or commissioning-related projects.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, system schematics, and technical documentation.
• Familiarity with PLCs, HMI systems, or industrial automation environments.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, particularly in a remote environment.
• Comfort working independently in a fully remote, fast-paced setting.
• 1-2 years of professional experience or strong internships focused on programming or controls-related work.
• Bachelor's degree in Controls, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.
• High initiative and a strong bias for action to drive site completion and project progress.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Software development or software engineering experience is a plus.
• Experience with cloud-connected industrial systems or data lakes is beneficial.
• Prior exposure to OEE data collection and analysis in manufacturing or industrial environments is advantageous.
• Strong communication skills to coordinate with lead project managers or engineers for each site.
• Ability to manage multiple task-based assignments and adapt to changing deployment volumes over time.
• Willingness to align work hours with regional time zones and, if needed, travel occasionally to sites.

Work Environment

This position operates in a fully remote environment with a strong focus on task-based project work. Engineers receive specific site assignments and work through a high volume of deployments, with a target of approximately 30 sites in June, 40 sites in July, and around 70 sites per month in August and September, split across a team of four. The role involves working with PLCs, HMI systems, and industrial automation technologies while supporting a migration to a cloud-based data infrastructure. Work is fast-paced and requires self-management, clear communication, and comfort working independently. While the role is primarily remote, there is a preference for some team members to be located near Nashville or regionally aligned to the project time zone in case occasional site travel becomes necessary.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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 remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 1, 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.