Controls Engineer

As a Controls Engineer, you will design, program, and commission advanced control systems for custom friction and resistance welding machines used in industries such as aerospace and automotive. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to deliver robust, safe, and reliable automation solutions while continuously expanding your technical expertise in PLCs, HMIs, and machine control software.

• Collaborate with Applications Engineers, Fluid Systems Engineers, and Mechanical Engineers to develop effective control system solutions for friction welding machines.
• Design and create detailed electrical schematics using AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, and/or ePLAN, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Develop and maintain Bills of Material documentation for control system components and related electrical assemblies.
• Perform machine commissioning, including start-up, testing, troubleshooting, and fine-tuning of control systems to meet performance and safety requirements.
• Interpret control system requirements from project scope documents, specifications, and customer requirements, and translate them into functional control designs.
• Implement ANSI and ISO machine design and safety standards in all control system designs and documentation.
• Develop machine sequence and control flow charts to clearly define operating logic, interlocks, and process steps.
• Program and configure Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications for machine controls using Siemens and related HMI products.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot Siemens PLCs using tools such as TIA Portal, Step 7, Simotion Scout, and related software platforms.
• Integrate automation components including PLCs, HMIs, motion systems, and peripheral devices to create cohesive control solutions.
• Apply structured text and function block programming techniques to develop efficient and maintainable control logic.
• Support automation integration activities, including interfacing with robots and other automated equipment as required by the application.
• Grow and deepen your understanding of machinery, machine controls, programmable logic controllers, human machine interfaces, and associated control software through hands-on project work.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of control standards, design practices, and documentation methods within the engineering team.

• 1–2 years of experience working as a Controls Engineer or in a closely related controls engineering role.
• Hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs and associated programming environments.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and control system development for industrial automation applications.
• Experience with control systems engineering, including design, implementation, and troubleshooting of automation solutions.
• Working knowledge of automation integration, including PLC control, HMI, and related industrial control hardware.
• Familiarity with Siemens PLC tools such as TIA Portal, Step 7, and Simotion Scout.
• Ability to develop HMI applications using platforms such as WinCC, FactoryTalk, or similar tools.
• Understanding of structured text and function block programming for PLCs and automation systems.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create electrical schematics and related control documentation.
• Willingness to learn and expand your skill set in controls design, programming, and automation technologies.
• Basic understanding of hydraulics and pneumatics as they relate to automated machinery and control systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline is preferred.
• Experience using AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, or ePLAN for electrical design and documentation.
• Experience with Rockwell automation platforms and PLC control is beneficial.
• Exposure to robot integration within automated systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with automation software tools such as Logix Designer, FactoryTalk, and WinCC.
• Interest in working on custom design and integration projects where each machine presents unique technical challenges.
• Strong attention to detail, high standards of quality, and a solid work ethic.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional engineering environment.
• Desire to continuously advance technical knowledge in machine controls, PLCs, HMIs, and automation software.

This role is based onsite five days per week at the company’s headquarters in South Bend, Indiana. You will work a first-shift schedule, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with minimal overtime expected. The position involves occasional domestic and international travel, approximately two times per year, to support machine commissioning, integration, or customer visits. You will work in a professional engineering and manufacturing environment focused on custom friction welding machines, collaborating closely with other engineers and technical staff while using modern PLC, HMI, and electrical design tools.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of South Bend, IN.

The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $48.08/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 South Bend,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 2026.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.

Salary : $36 - $48