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Controls Design Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on the design, development, programming, and commissioning of custom automated manufacturing systems. You will take ownership of projects from initial concept through startup, building new automation systems from the ground up rather than only supporting existing equipment. The position is hands-on and highly technical, involving close collaboration with cross-functional teams and customers to deliver robust, reliable, and innovative automation solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop PLC and PC-based control software for custom automation equipment.
• Create machine concepts and controls architecture from the ground up, ensuring scalability, reliability, and safety.
• Integrate robotics, motion control, vision systems, sensors, lasers, and other automation technologies into cohesive systems.
• Perform debugging, testing, commissioning, and startup of equipment at the facility and customer sites.
• Collaborate directly with customers, project managers, designers, electricians, and toolmakers throughout project execution to ensure technical alignment and successful delivery.
• Develop and maintain controls documentation, including schematics, programs, and manuals, and support customer training on system operation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve controls-related issues during machine development, installation, and commissioning.
• Participate in customer-facing commissioning and startup activities, providing technical guidance and support.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of controls standards, best practices, and design methodologies for automated systems.

Essential Skills

• At least 6 years of experience designing, programming, and commissioning automated systems, custom machinery, or industrial equipment.
• Strong PLC programming experience, including development, testing, and optimization of control logic.
• Proven experience building custom automation systems from concept through commissioning.
• Hands-on experience with robotics and robotic integration in industrial automation environments.
• Experience with motion control systems and applications, including servo drives and coordinated motion.
• Strong electrical troubleshooting skills, including diagnosing wiring, panel, and control system issues.
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills related to automated machinery and equipment.
• Experience working with HMIs for machine operation and operator interfaces.
• Experience with sensors and sensor systems used in industrial automa in industrial automation equipment and controls engineering.
• Experience with customer-facing commissioning and startup activities.
• Ability to travel up to 50% domestically and internationally to support projects and commissioning.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working for machine builders, OEMs, or system integrators, with exposure to complete project lifecycles.
• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and related automation hardware and software.
• Experience with vision systems, including integration and configuration for inspection or guidance applications.
• Experience with robotics integration, including programming and interfacing with control systems.
• Experience with motion control applications, including multi-axis motion and complex positioning.
• in electrical design for industrial automation systems.
• Experience in machine building and commissioning of custom equipment.
• Strong general automation and controls engineering knowledge across multiple technologies and platforms.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with customers and technical stakeholders.

Work Environment

This position is based in an industrial automation and machine-building environment focused on custom manufacturing systems. You will work with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion control systems, vision systems, sensors, lasers, and a variety of industrial automation equipment. The role is hands-on and involves time in both office and shop-floor settings, including working around machinery during build, test, and commissioning activities. Travel up to 50% domestically and internationally is required to support on-site installation, debugging, and startup at customer facilities. The environment emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and customer-focused project delivery, with opportunities to see your designs move from concept through fully operational automated systems

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lewis Center, OH.

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $60.10/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 Lewis Center,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 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.