Controls Systems Engineer

Job Title: Controls Systems Engineer

Job Description

This full-time Controls Systems Engineer role involves traveling from project to project, typically spending 3 to 6 months at each location. You will commission and validate automation systems, support troubleshooting activities, and work closely with internal engineering teams and clients to deliver state-of-the-art control solutions that enhance efficiency, product quality, and profitability in process manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols for control systems in process manufacturing environments.
• Troubleshoot and remediate commissioning and validation non-conformances to ensure systems operate reliably and meet specifications.
• Collaborate with internal engineers and client teams to design and deliver advanced control systems that improve efficiency, product quality, and profitability.
• Define and implement programmable logic controller (PLC) configurations tailored to specific project and process requirements.
• Perform testing, on-site commissioning, and qualification of control systems, ensuring they meet functional, safety, and performance standards.
• Support building automation initiatives, including integration of mechanical and electrical components with control and HMI systems.
• Travel to various project sites and adapt quickly to new facilities, processes, and teams.
• Document work performed, including configuration changes, test results, and validation activities, in accordance with project and client requirements.

Essential Skills

• Experience in programming and configuring control systems, including PLCs.
• Hands-on experience with controls engineering in process manufacturing or similar industrial environments.
• Knowledge of building automation systems and their integration with mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting control systems, including hardware, software, and network issues.
• Experience working with human-machine interfaces (HMIs) for monitoring and controlling industrial processes.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude to understand and support integrated automation systems.
• Ability to execute commissioning and validation protocols and address non-conformances effectively.
• Flexibility to travel frequently and remain at project sites for 3 to 6 months at a time.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with internal engineers and clients.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently in fast-paced project settings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering degree in mechanical, systems, automation, or electrical engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience in a related field.
• Adaptable and enthusiastic approach to learning new technologies, processes, and industries.
• Comfort working with a flexible schedule that may vary by project and week.
• Interest in leadership opportunities and growing into roles with greater responsibility.
• Motivation to gain exposure to different industries and processes through frequent travel.
• Willingness to engage in hands-on training and continuous professional development.

Work Environment

This role is primarily on-site at client and project locations, starting in the Dallas area and moving to other locations such as San Antonio as projects require. You will work in industrial environments where personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and safety practices are a core part of daily activities. Typical schedules include either six 10-hour shifts or five 10-hour shifts per week, depending on project needs. The position offers a dynamic work setting with frequent travel, exposure to a variety of facilities and industries, and hands-on work with automation, control systems, and building automation technologies. The culture emphasizes growth, travel opportunities, per diem support, hands-on training, and clear pathways to leadership roles.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Holly Springs, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $39.00 - $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 Holly Springs,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 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.