Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls EngineerJob Description

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, commissions, and troubleshoots complex industrial automation systems, including robots, PLCs, HMIs, servo drives, and custom machine interfaces. You will collaborate closely with mechanical designers and electrical engineers to develop machine sequences, write PLC code, and support full system integration. After onboarding, you will independently own controls projects, applying strong troubleshooting skills, logical problem-solving, and the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics to deliver reliable, high-performance automation solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and troubleshoot PLC-based automation systems for industrial applications.

• Program, modify, and optimize PLC logic for machine and robotic applications.

• Collaborate with mechanical designers and electrical engineers to understand system functionality and requirements.

• Review, interpret, and apply electrical schematics and wiring diagrams to system design and troubleshooting.

• Develop detailed machine sequences and document operational logic for automated equipment.

• Configure, program, and support HMI applications for operator interfaces and system control.

• Support commissioning, testing, debugging, and validation of automation systems prior to and during deployment.

• Troubleshoot controls, electrical, robotic, and automation issues to restore and improve system performance.

• Assist in the continuous improvement of controls standards, programming practices, and documentation.

• Work with sensors, actuators, and industrial control hardware to ensure reliable system operation.

• Participate in customer demonstrations, Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), and system startup activities as required.

Essential Skills

• Experience programming PLCs in an industrial automation environment.

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.

• Proven experience troubleshooting automated machinery and controls 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.

• Preferred experience with Allen-Bradley PLC platforms (highly preferred) and Omron PLCs.

• Target range of 37+ years of controls engineering experience, with flexibility based on technical fit.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Industrial robotics experience, including collaborative robots (cobots) and SCARA robots.

• Exposure to major industrial robot brands such as Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa, and Universal Robots.

• Experience developing and configuring Allen-Bradley HMI applications.

• Servo drive programming and integration experience.

• Motion control experience in automated machinery.

• Machine commissioning and startup experience in an industrial setting.

• Industrial networking experience for connected automation systems.

• C# programming experience for custom applications.

• Experience using Visual Studio for software development.

• Background in manufacturing or machine building environments.

• Experience developing custom machine interfaces for specialized equipment.

Work Environment

The role focuses on designing and supporting industrial automation systems that integrate PLCs, HMIs, robots, servo drives, sensors, actuators, and custom machine interfaces. You will work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams in a manufacturing or machine builder environment, participating in equipment commissioning, testing, and system startups. The position involves hands-on work with electronic and automation hardware, wiring, and industrial machinery, as well as time spent configuring software tools such as PLC programming environments and HMI development platforms. You will also take part in customer demonstrations and Factory Acceptance Tests, supporting systems from initial integration through deployment.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 3, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Exton,PA.

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 [email protected] 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.