Controls Engineer

As a Controls Engineer, you will troubleshoot and resolve automation and control issues that impact production, quality, and safety. You will independently perform advanced troubleshooting of automation, instrumentation, and control systems for automated food processing, robotic, and material transfer systems. Additionally, you will lead engineering updates, changes, testing, and commissioning of automation modifications for multiple high-speed production lines. Your role includes designing, implementing, and recommending automation solutions for existing equipment and new production line projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled and condition-based preventive maintenance on automation and control systems.
• Document completed work in the CMMS through maintenance work orders and create and prioritize follow-up work as needed.
• Research, recommend, and implement automation improvements to enhance equipment reliability and uptime.
• Plan, lead, and execute automation preventive maintenance initiatives to minimize unplanned downtime.
• Apply creative problem-solving and root cause analysis to identify systemic automation issues and implement long-term solutions.
• Train, coach, and mentor operators, maintenance technicians, and peers on automation systems and procedures, particularly for packaging and high-speed equipment.
• Lead and support special projects related to automation upgrades, retrofits, and new equipment installations.
• Collaborate with peers and cross-functional partners to share technical expertise and standardize automation practices.
• Conduct obsolescence assessments of control systems; identify high-risk components and develop upgrade and replacement strategies.
• Recommend automation spare parts and manage critical automation inventory.
• Perform additional instrumentation and electrical duties as assigned.

• Minimum 4 years of experience in industrial automation or controls within a manufacturing environment.
• Mandatory experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs.
• Experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, which may include plastics.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and controls engineering.
• Experience with RS Logics, Sleek 500, PLC 5, and FactoryTalk.
• Ability to troubleshoot rather than program from scratch.
• Familiarity with electrical and PLC platforms.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics.

• Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Mechatronics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial automation or controls within a manufacturing environment, with a preference for food or high-speed packaging.
• Strong knowledge of control panel design, layout, and troubleshooting.
• Extensive experience with VFDs and HMIs.
• Hands-on experience with SCADA systems.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and resolve issues across multiple departments and organizational levels.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated capability to act as a technical leader and trainer within assigned plant areas or machine centers.
• Strong understanding of automation, instrumentation, and control products and related engineering principles.
• Familiarity with automation suppliers and OEM equipment.

This position is onsite, with working hours from 7 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and on-call support once every three weeks. The facility is a food manufacturing company, primarily focused on pasta production. The workplace culture is supportive, welcoming, and community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on work-life balance and treating employees as individuals. Training and skill development are prioritized, with internal workshops and leadership development programs available. There is a strong promote-from-within philosophy, particularly in operations, maintenance, engineering, quality, and leadership roles.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Winchester, VA.

The pay range for this position is $42.00 - $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 Winchester,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 4, 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.