Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls EngineerJob Description

The Controls Engineer ensures reliable operation of site equipment by troubleshooting, maintaining, and enhancing PLC control systems. This role supports production and maintenance teams, drives process improvements, strengthens machine safety, and contributes to Industry 4.0 initiatives by connecting control systems to higher-level platforms and data infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Support production and maintenance teams by troubleshooting and correcting PLC control systems to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.

• Provide PLC programming and modifications using platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Mitsubishi, and Siemens to support ongoing operations and new requirements.

• Develop and implement process improvements, including adding new features, functions, and modifications to existing machinery to enhance performance and efficiency.

• Ensure machine safety aligns with applicable guidelines by upgrading existing safety features and implementing new safety measures on equipment.

• Support Industry 4.0 initiatives by connecting systems to Ignition and integrating PLCs with SQL databases to enable in-cycle data collection and reporting.

• Provide training to maintenance and operations personnel on PLC and HMI programming, operation, and troubleshooting to build in-house capability.

• Prepare and implement new programming related to PLC and HMI equipment, ensuring programs meet functional, safety, and performance requirements.

• Participate in project teams as a subject matter expert in controls engineering, contributing to project planning, design, implementation, and commissioning.

• Develop and review in-house programming and perform detailed reviews of outsourced programs to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with standards.

• Conduct safety interlock reviews and testing, including instrument loop checks, to verify proper operation of control and safety systems.

• Create and maintain documentation for control and instrumentation projects, including drawing reviews and updates for electrical wiring schematics and loop drawings.

• Assist in developing standards and procedures related to process control software and hardware, including guidelines for programming, configuration, and backups.

• Manage software backups of new and existing control systems and their interfaces to ensure system integrity and recoverability.

• Document procedures for program changes and archiving of existing and new programming, coordinating workloads between in-house and outsourced resources.

• Prepare programming examples and support engineering teams in maintaining up-to-date P&ID standards for controlled processes.

• Troubleshoot complex control and instrumentation issues to support maintenance personnel and restore equipment to normal operation.

• Perform other related duties as required to support continuous improvement and reliable operation of control systems.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in controls engineering with a focus on PLC programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and related programming environments.

• Experience with PLC platforms such as Mitsubishi and Siemens for programming and system modifications.

• Strong troubleshooting skills for PLC-based control systems in a production or industrial environment.

• Experience in implementing process improvements through control system changes and machine modifications.

• Knowledge of machine safety principles and practical experience in upgrading or implementing safety features.

• Proficiency in PLC programming and HMI development for industrial applications.

• Experience with robotics integration and control within automated systems.

• Ability to provide training on PLC and HMI equipment to maintenance and operations personnel.

• Experience in reviewing and validating outsourced control programs, including safety interlocks and testing requirements.

• Ability to perform instrument loop checks and verify proper operation of control and instrumentation systems.

• Competence in reviewing and interpreting electrical wiring schematics and electrical loop drawings.

• Experience documenting control and instrumentation projects, including procedures for changes and archiving.

• Ability to assist in developing standards and procedures related to process control software and hardware.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex control system issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with Industry 4.0 concepts and the integration of PLC systems with platforms such as Ignition.

• Experience connecting PLCs to SQL databases for data collection, reporting, and performance monitoring.

• Ability to prepare programming examples to support engineering and training initiatives.

• Experience maintaining and updating P&ID standards in collaboration with engineering teams.

• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional project teams.

• Attention to detail in documentation, testing, and validation of control systems.

• Adaptability to perform additional duties as required in a dynamic production environment.

Work Environment

The role operates within a large-scale industrial manufacturing environment focused on automotive and transportation-related products for global markets, including light vehicles, commercial trucks, off-highway, industrial, motorsport, and aftermarket applications. The organization emphasizes continuous improvement and technological advancement, striving not just to meet industry standards but to set them. Employees work in a culture driven by core values, a winning mindset, and a strong commitment to being a trusted partner and leading manufacturer and distributor in the transportation industry. The environment involves working around automated machinery, control panels, PLC systems, HMIs, robotics, and related electrical and instrumentation equipment. Collaboration with engineering, maintenance, and production teams is frequent, and project work may involve both office-based programming and on-floor commissioning and troubleshooting. The company values drive, passion, and dedication, encouraging employees to act as changemakers and contribute to ongoing innovation and operational excellence.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Athens, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

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.

available upon offer - medical , dental, etc

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Athens, AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Athens,AL.

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.