Protection & Controls Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

This Controls Engineer role focuses on the design, programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting of complex industrial automation systems. You will work with technologies such as collaborative robots, SCARA robots, Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMIs, servo drives, and custom machine interfaces. After onboarding, you will independently own controls projects, collaborating closely with mechanical designers and electrical engineers to develop machine sequences, write PLC code, and support full system integration. The position requires strong troubleshooting abilities, logical problem-solving skills, and the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.

• Design, develop, and troubleshoot PLC-based automation systems for industrial applications.
• Program and modify PLC logic to support machine and robotic applications, ensuring reliable and safe operation.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical designers and electrical engineers to understand system functionality, requirements, and constraints.
• Review and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams to support system design, debugging, and modification.
• Develop detailed machine sequences and document operational logic for use in programming, commissioning, and maintenance.
• Configure, develop, and support HMI applications to provide intuitive operator interfaces and system diagnostics.
• Support commissioning, testing, debugging, and validation of automated machinery and control systems.
• Troubleshoot controls, electrical, robotic, and automation issues to minimize downtime and improve system reliability.
• Assist with continuous improvement of controls standards, programming practices, and documentation.
• Participate in customer demonstrations, factory acceptance tests (FATs), and system startup activities as required.
• Work with sensors, actuators, and industrial control hardware to integrate and optimize system performance.

• Experience programming PLCs in an industrial automation environment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Proven experience troubleshooting automated machinery and control systems.
• Solid understanding of machine sequencing and industrial automation concepts.
• Strong logical problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Hands-on experience working with sensors, actuators, and industrial control hardware.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision after onboarding.
• 3–7+ years of controls engineering experience, with flexibility for candidates with stronger or unique technical backgrounds.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms (highly preferred).
• Experience with Omron PLC platforms.

• Industrial robotics experience, including collaborative robots (cobots) and SCARA robots.
• Familiarity with industrial robot brands such as Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa, Universal Robots, and similar platforms.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley HMI development.
• Servo drive programming and integration experience.
• Motion control experience in automated machinery or robotics applications.
• Machine commissioning and startup experience in industrial environments.
• Industrial networking experience for integrating and supporting connected automation systems.
• C# programming experience for custom tools, utilities, or interfaces.
• Experience using Visual Studio for software development.
• Experience developing custom machine interfaces for specialized automation equipment.
• Background in manufacturing or machine building environments.

This role operates in an industrial automation and machinery environment, working with PLC-based control systems, industrial robots, HMIs, servo drives, sensors, actuators, and custom machine interfaces. You will frequently collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineering teams, participate in commissioning and startup activities, and support factory acceptance tests and customer demonstrations. The work involves time on the shop floor and in test areas around automated machinery, as well as time at a workstation for programming, documentation, and troubleshooting. Standard industrial safety practices apply, including appropriate personal protective equipment when working around equipment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Exton, PA.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/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 Exton,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 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.