Process Controls Engineer

Job Title: Process Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Process Controls Engineer supports municipal wastewater treatment projects from initial design through final startup and commissioning. You will take full ownership of projects, working independently across all phases of the project lifecycle, including control panel design, PLC programming, SCADA development, system integration, testing, and on-site startup support. Projects vary in size and complexity, offering a mix of remote design work and field-based startup activities, and provide an excellent opportunity to gain and deepen experience in municipal wastewater applications.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and implement PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems for municipal wastewater treatment projects.
• Develop and configure control panels, ensuring they meet project requirements and applicable standards.
• Create, test, and troubleshoot PLC logic using platforms such as RSLogix, Siemens, or Opto22.
• Design and develop SCADA applications, including graphics, alarms, trends, and reports, using tools such as Trihedral VTScada, Ignition, or GE Vernova iFIX.
• Integrate PLC, HMI, and SCADA components into cohesive process control systems and verify reliable communication between devices.
• Conduct system testing, simulation, and validation to confirm proper operation and performance prior to deployment.
• Provide on-site startup and commissioning support, including system checkout, tuning, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders to clarify requirements, address technical issues, and ensure successful project delivery.
• Document system designs, configurations, and changes to support ongoing maintenance and future upgrades.
• Travel to project sites as needed for day trips or extended stays to support installation, testing, and commissioning activities.

Essential Skills

• At least 4 years of experience designing and programming PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems.
• Proficiency with PLC platforms such as RSLogix, Siemens, or Opto22.
• Hands-on experience with SCADA platforms such as Trihedral VTScada, Ignition, or GE Vernova iFIX.
• Strong understanding of process control concepts and their application in industrial environments.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects from initial design through final startup and commissioning.
• Experience supporting field startup, testing, and troubleshooting of control systems.
• Effective communication skills to interact with project stakeholders and field personnel.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with design requirements for hazardous locations, including Class I, Division 1 and Division 2 areas.
• Knowledge of industrial instrumentation such as pressure, flow, level, temperature, and analytical instruments.
• Scripting and development skills in web technologies such as HTML and CSS.
• Experience working with relational databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL.
• Experience with HMI and SCADA platforms such as Rockwell FactoryTalk View SE/ME, Wonderware, AVEVA System Platform, PAC Display, or Groov View.
• Knowledge of OPC UA, historian configuration (for example, OSIsoft PI or Ignition Historian), and high-availability SCADA architectures.
• Understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals and their application to industrial control system environments, aligned with relevant standards and frameworks.

Work Environment

The role offers a blend of remote design work and on-site field activities at municipal wastewater treatment facilities. Typical hours are approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility for earlier or later start times, and an average work week of about 45 hours. Any hours worked over 40 in a week are compensated at time-and-a-half. Travel requirements vary by project and may include local day trips or overnight stays ranging from a few days to several weeks. For day trips, fuel expenses are covered via a company credit card, and for overnight travel, employees receive a company credit card, hotel accommodations, and a daily meal per diem. The environment involves working with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial instrumentation, and related control system technologies in active wastewater treatment settings.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lansing, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $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 hybrid position in Lansing,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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.