Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer supports and develops controls and electrical specifications for new and existing equipment, with a strong focus on automated material handling systems. This role designs, programs, and maintains PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs, ensuring reliable and efficient operation of control systems. The Controls Engineer collaborates closely with engineering, production, and external stakeholders to deliver projects safely, on time, and within budget while continuously improving processes and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, panel layout drawings, and related documentation using CAD tools.

• Design and interpret PLC code for customized material handling applications to meet specific project requirements.

• Specify and verify controls requirements for new equipment and retrofit projects, ensuring accurate and up-to-date controls drawings and documentation.

• Perform PLC programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting to support reliable system operation.

• Partner with engineers to ensure project accuracy, adherence to design standards, and completeness of design documentation.

• Complete project responsibilities within defined scope, budget, and schedule constraints.

• Create detailed bills of materials for control enclosures, components, and wiring.

• Act as a technical resource for internal teams and external customers, providing guidance and problem resolution.

• Participate in cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement of processes, methods, productivity, and quality while reducing costs.

• Create clear and accurate drawings from written and verbal specifications.

• Partner with production teams as a technical resource to support manufacturing and assembly activities.

• Inspect shop-built control panels for correct wiring, layout, and setup, and ensure they meet design specifications.

• Resolve engineering issues that arise during fabrication, assembly, and service of equipment.

• Observe all safety procedures and ensure designs and installations comply with applicable electrical codes.

• Travel to customer sites to start up automated systems, including adjustment and setup of drives and control devices, point-to-point wire checkout, and verification of PLC code operation.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in engineering or a related field.

• At least 2 years of PLC programming experience.

• At least 2 years of experience with electrical systems or manufacturing environments.

• At least 2 years of experience working with CAD Electrical software.

• Proficiency in designing and interpreting PLC code for automation and material handling applications.

• Ability to design schematic diagrams, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts using CAD.

• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and related automation platforms.

• Hands-on experience with VFDs, including setup, adjustment, and troubleshooting.

• Strong understanding of controls engineering and electrical engineering principles.

• Ability to create and maintain accurate controls documentation and bills of materials.

• Capability to troubleshoot and resolve controls and electrical issues in the field and in production environments.

• Knowledge of electrical codes and commitment to following safety procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with control panel design and layout for industrial automation systems.

• Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical or similar CAD tools for electrical design.

• Experience in automation systems, including integration of PLCs, HMIs, and drives.

• Experience creating drawings from both written and verbal specifications.

• Strong communication skills to effectively support internal teams and external customers.

• Ability to work collaboratively on cross-functional teams focused on process improvement.

• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects and meet scope, budget, and schedule requirements.

Work Environment

The majority of the workday will be spent in an office environment performing design, programming, and documentation tasks using CAD and engineering software. The role also includes periodic trips to the manufacturing floor to inspect panels, support production activities, and resolve engineering issues in a hands-on setting. In addition, the position requires travel to customer sites for system start-ups, adjustments of drives and control devices, and verification of PLC code and wiring. The work environment combines desk-based engineering work with on-site industrial and manufacturing settings, where adherence to safety procedures and appropriate attire for a manufacturing floor is expected.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Menomonee Falls, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $78000.00 - $115000.00/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.

Magnetek offers holiday pay, vacation pay, Paid time off, medical dental and vision insurance, amongst other benefits

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Menomonee Falls, WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Menomonee Falls,WI.

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.