Automation Controls Engineer

Automation Controls Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled Controls Engineer with expertise in automation, PLC programming, and full project lifecycle management. This role is pivotal in designing, programming, and delivering controls and automation systems for custom industrial equipment. From concept through commissioning, the successful candidate will be responsible for controls design, programming, technical leadership, coordination with internal teams, and direct customer engagement, as well as providing technical support and troubleshooting assistance to ensure equipment reliability and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control systems for custom equipment, including PLC/HMI programming, hardware design, and panel layout.
• Manage projects from initial customer specifications through design, build, software integration, testing, and delivery.
• Interface directly with customers to gather requirements, provide updates, and ensure satisfaction.
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support to internal service centers for fielded equipment.
• Develop and manage project timelines, budgets, and technical deliverables.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical engineering, fabrication, and field service.
• Oversee system testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning both on-site and remotely.
• Create and maintain documentation including electrical schematics, I/O lists, manuals, and sequence of operations.
• Support continuous improvement and standardization of controls architecture, programming practices, and integration processes.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in PLC programming and HMI development.
• Strong control system design and controls engineering skills.
• Expertise in automation processes.
• Electrical system project management including design, build, integrate, test, and deliver.
• Electrical design and schematic expertise, preferably using AutoCAD Electrical or equivalent.
• Experience with Siemens PLCs is strongly preferred.
• Ability to oversee testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning, primarily in a remote capacity.
• Proficiency with Allen-Bradley systems, Siemens PLCs, AutoCAD Electrical, and servomotors.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, preferably Electrical Engineering.
• 10+ years of electrical experience in engineering.
• Experience with PC-based systems and custom machine start-ups and commissioning.
• Project management skills are preferred.
• Experience with Variable Frequency Drives is preferred.
• Pneumatic and hydraulic controls experience is preferred.

This is a Contract position based out of Aurora, OH.

The pay range for this position is $52.88 - $67.31/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 Aurora,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 20, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.