Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Columbus, OH

Junior Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and commissions industrial control systems that support advanced product identification and traceability solutions used in manufacturing environments worldwide. This role combines hands-on PLC and HMI development with project installation, customer training, and collaboration with a highly experienced engineering team in a flexible, hybrid work setting.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems and applications with limited assistance, including PLC programming, HMI development, machine vision, and motion control systems.
• Assist with electrical design activities and support the integration of robotics applications as needed.
• Program, configure, and integrate PLCs and HMIs using platforms such as Siemens, Omron, Rockwell, and related automation technologies.
• Support robotics and automation projects, including integration with Fanuc robots and conveyor systems.
• Manage project installations and startups, ensuring systems are installed, configured, and operating according to specifications.
• Plan and execute factory acceptance tests (FAT) and site acceptance tests (SAT) to validate system performance and functionality.
• Provide clear, effective training to customers on system operations, safety, and functionality.
• Support the sales team by estimating labor hours and technical effort required for project proposals and quotations.
• Collaborate closely with other engineers to troubleshoot, optimize, and enhance control system performance.
• Use AutoCAD Electrical to create and update electrical schematics and system layouts for control projects.
• Apply Cognex vision readers and related machine vision tools in product identification and traceability applications.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, including programs, schematics, test results, and customer training materials.

Essential Skills

• 1–3+ years of industry experience in PLC programming, preferably in industrial automation environments.
• Hands-on experience with HMI development for industrial control systems.
• Practical knowledge of Siemens and Omron PLC platforms.
• Experience with Rockwell-based PLC and automation systems.
• Familiarity with robotics applications, including integration with platforms such as Fanuc.
• Experience with conveyor integration and general automation systems.
• Ability to support commissioning activities and work effectively in customer-facing environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering; an associate degree in a related field is also acceptable.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in controls and automation.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects with limited supervision.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using Cognex vision readers for machine vision and product identification applications.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical for creating and modifying electrical schematics and system designs.
• Experience conducting factory acceptance tests (FAT) and site acceptance tests (SAT).
• Experience working with motion control systems in industrial settings.
• Strong communication skills for delivering customer training and supporting sales with technical input.
• Comfort working in a collaborative, team-oriented engineering environment.

Work Environment

You will work as part of a close-knit engineering team of approximately 15 engineers within a company of about 150 people, offering a collaborative and team-oriented culture. The role follows a flexible, hybrid work schedule that supports work–life balance and encourages autonomy without micromanagement. You will occasionally travel, approximately 10–15%, primarily to customer sites in Kentucky and Michigan to support installations, startups, and acceptance testing. The environment centers on industrial automation and product identification systems, using technologies such as PLCs (Siemens, Omron, Rockwell), HMIs, robotics (including Fanuc), conveyor systems, Cognex machine vision, and AutoCAD Electrical for design work. The team has strong tenure and deep experience, creating a supportive setting for professional growth and knowledge sharing.

This is a Permanent position based out of CIRCLEVILLE, OH.

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

Health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401k plan, and paid time off. They also receive benefits like a Flexible Spending Account, life insurance, dependent care options, and participation in a military leave program.

This is a hybrid position in CIRCLEVILLE,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.