Job Title: Controls Engineer
Job Description
The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and supports automated machinery and control systems, ensuring reliable performance from concept through installation and service. This role focuses on PLC and HMI development, integration of robotics and vision systems, and thorough testing and documentation to deliver turnkey automation solutions that meet customer requirements and internal standards.
Responsibilities
- Create, update, and troubleshoot PLC ladder logic programs to meet customer needs and comply with internal standards.
- Design and modify HMI screens and user interfaces to provide intuitive, efficient operator control and monitoring.
- Work with technologies such as cameras, robots, sensors, and drives to ensure all components of an automated machine operate smoothly together.
- Test machine sequences thoroughly and verify that switches, actuators, cylinders, and other physical components are correctly wired and functioning before deployment.
- Serve as the primary controls programmer on small to mid-sized automation projects, owning control system design and implementation.
- Support project schedules, milestones, and machine build timelines to help keep automation projects on track.
- Maintain clear and organized project documentation, including wire lists, calibration data, technical specifications, and configuration records.
- Review and contribute to machine manuals so customers receive accurate, complete, and easy-to-follow documentation.
- Support electrical and mechanical technicians during machine builds and debug by answering questions, resolving issues, and troubleshooting control systems.
- Travel to customer sites to support machine installation, commissioning, software updates, and occasional emergency service calls.
- Participate in validation activities such as IQ, OQ, and PQ, particularly in regulated or medical device environments.
- Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to ensure systems meet performance and compliance requirements.
- Contribute to the design and architecture of turnkey automation systems across the full lifecycle, from concept and programming through testing, installation, and ongoing service.
- Assist with debugging automated equipment, optimizing machine performance, and improving system reliability.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate SCADA, IoT, and Industry 4.0 technologies into automation solutions.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience; a Bachelor's degree is preferred.
- Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in controls programming or industrial automation.
- Strong PLC programming skills with proficiency in ladder logic; experience with structured text or function block programming is a plus.
- Experience with HMI and SCADA development, including creating intuitive operator interfaces.
- Hands-on experience with automated and electrical systems that include robots, vision systems, sensors, drives, AC/DC circuits, PNP/NPN devices, safety circuits, and motion control (servo and stepper systems).
- Ability to read and understand electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
- Basic understanding of pneumatic systems and electro-mechanical assemblies used in automated machinery.
- Comfortable troubleshooting complex control systems independently, including in customer-facing and field service environments.
- Experience supporting validation activities such as IQ, OQ, and PQ in regulated or medical device settings.
- Ability to support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for automated equipment.
- Familiarity with turnkey automation systems and the full automation lifecycle, from design support and programming through testing, installation, and service.
- Knowledge of SCADA systems, IoT concepts, and Industry 4.0 technologies relevant to modern automation.
- Understanding of system architecture for industrial control and automation solutions.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Knowledge of user interface (UI) design principles for HMIs to create clear and efficient operator screens.
- Experience with Rockwell PanelView or Optix HMIs is a plus.
- Familiarity with industrial communication networks such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, ProfiNet, DeviceNet, or IO-Link.
- Hands-on experience with vision and inspection systems such as Cognex or Keyence for precision measurement and defect detection.
- Experience integrating and programming industrial robots, including 6-axis and SCARA robots, for pick-and-place, part-feeding, and other automated applications.
- Exposure to robotic process automation concepts and tools in industrial environments.
- Experience with debugging complex automation systems and optimizing performance.
- Understanding of modern internet-connected automation solutions, including IoT-enabled devices and Industry 4.0 practices.
- Participation in employee ownership or similar programs is available, providing long-term alignment with organizational success.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Westbrook, ME.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $100000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
10 days PTO 5 days sick time Employee Stock Plan
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Westbrook,ME.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 9, 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.