Controls Engineer Jobs in Avon, IN (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, programming, and maintaining controls systems for equipment used in the production of insulation sheets, damping materials, and heat shields that support aerospace and commercial vehicle applications. The Controls Engineer will lead controls programming and troubleshooting, oversee PLC integration and upgrades, support new equipment installations, and contribute to process engineering initiatives that drive efficiency, cost savings, and reliability across the facility.

Responsibilities

• Program, modify, and troubleshoot controls systems and PLCs for all equipment onsite to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation.
• Perform ongoing machine and PLC upkeep, including preventive maintenance and updates to support long-term equipment performance.
• Lead integration of new PLCs and upgrade legacy PLC systems to modern platforms, ensuring minimal disruption to production.
• Support and manage new equipment installations, acting as project manager to coordinate timelines, resources, and deliverables.
• Develop project plans, define scopes of work, and maintain project schedules while keeping initiatives within budget.
• Identify and document areas for improvement in existing processes and controls systems, and implement enhancements that increase efficiency and reliability.
• Collaborate with process engineering to conduct time studies, analyze workflows, and identify process improvements and cost-saving opportunities.
• Assist in process improvement projects focused on lean principles, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Maintain and update controls-related databases and documentation to ensure accurate records of programs, changes, and configurations.
• Work closely with engineering and maintenance teams on the production floor and in office settings to diagnose issues and implement sustainable solutions.
• Contribute to preventative maintenance planning and execution to reduce downtime and extend equipment life.
• Communicate project status, technical findings, and improvement recommendations clearly to stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• 1–5 years of controls engineering experience, including programming, modifications, and troubleshooting of controls systems and PLCs.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting, with hands-on experience in industrial automation environments.
• Ability to manage projects, including developing and maintaining schedules, staying within budget, and defining project scope and improvement areas.
• Capability to analyze manufacturing and production processes, identify inefficiencies, and propose improvements and cost-saving opportunities.
• Experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLC platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for both controls and equipment issues in a production environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills to work closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, particularly in engineering, controls, or a related technical field.
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or other CAD tools for reviewing or creating electrical and mechanical designs.
• Familiarity with 5S and lean methodologies and their application in manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Experience supporting process engineering activities, including time studies and process optimization.
• Experience in industrial, automotive, or aerospace-related manufacturing environments is beneficial.
• Demonstrated interest in project management and the ability to grow into larger project leadership responsibilities.

Work Environment

The Controls Engineer will work primarily in a production floor and office setting alongside engineering and maintenance teams. The facility employs approximately 200 people on site, with an additional large workforce across the street, and benefits from the resources and stability of a major global corporation. The environment combines hands-on work with equipment and PLCs on the shop floor with technical and project work in an office setting. The culture emphasizes trust, autonomy, and support, allowing individuals to own their work while having access to help when needed. Contractors are treated similarly to internal employees, and strong performance can lead to long-term opportunities. The role offers exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies, project management experience, and a collaborative engineering environment focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

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

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Indianapolis,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 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.