Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, develops, installs, and supports industrial control systems and Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications in industrial and manufacturing environments. This role focuses on creating reliable automation solutions, programming PLCs and HMIs, and collaborating with engineering and electrical assembly teams to deliver high-quality control systems for a variety of local customers.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement industrial control systems for manufacturing and industrial environments.
• Create, modify, and maintain PLC programs, including programming from scratch and making detailed logic changes as needed.
• Develop and update HMI applications, including adding new functions such as buttons and making edits to existing screens.
• Read, interpret, and work from P&ID drawings and electrical schematics to design and troubleshoot control systems.
• Support installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance of control systems and HMI applications.
• Collaborate closely with electricians and panel builders in the shop to ensure accurate and efficient control panel assembly.
• Provide technical support to the engineering and electrical panel teams, including sharing specifications and logistics for controls projects.
• Troubleshoot control system issues, including PLC, HMI, and related electrical and automation equipment.
• Apply controls engineering and automation best practices to improve system reliability, safety, and performance.
• Utilize software tools such as RSLogix and other PLC programming environments to configure and optimize control systems.
• Work with robotics, SCADA/MES, and related automation technologies as needed for specific projects.
• Ensure that control panel designs meet project requirements and exercise autonomy in the complete control panel design process.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and local customers to understand project requirements and implement appropriate controls solutions.
• Travel occasionally, primarily for very local or day trips, to support customer sites and project activities.

Essential Skills

• Relevant degree in a related field such as EMET, Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Technology, or a similar discipline.
• Hands-on experience with control system design in industrial or manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting P&ID drawings and electrical schematics.
• Experience programming PLCs, including the ability to program from scratch and modify existing PLC logic.
• Experience with HMI programming and applications, including adding functions and editing HMI screens.
• Strong background in controls engineering and automation.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs.
• Experience using RSLogix or similar PLC programming software.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical and control system issues effectively.
• Familiarity with robotics, SCADA/MES, and related automation technologies.
• Strong programming aptitude within industrial automation environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, electrical assembly, and controls teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Siemens PLCs is a plus.
• Knowledge of FactoryTalk SCADA/MES systems is highly beneficial.
• An associate degree with interest in pursuing a bachelor’s degree can be supported through tuition assistance for career advancement.
• Strong schematic reading and design skills.
• Ability to work autonomously on complete control panel design.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in electrical and automation systems.
• Strong communication skills for interfacing with electricians, panel builders, and other engineering professionals.
• Interest in working with a premier controls integrator serving well-known local customers.
• Motivation to grow within a contract-to-hire role that offers exposure to multiple engineering companies.

Work Environment

The work environment consists primarily of an engineering office within an industrial and manufacturing-focused controls integration facility. The team includes mostly engineering and electrical assembly staff, with a laid-back and professional atmosphere. Typical attire includes nice slacks and a golf polo. The role requires regular interaction with electricians and panel builders in the shop, supporting engineering and electrical panel teams as well as controls activities. Most work is performed on-site in the engineering office, with some travel that is generally very local and limited to day trips. The position offers autonomy in control panel design and the opportunity to work with technologies such as Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs, FactoryTalk SCADA/MES, RSLogix, robotics, and other industrial automation tools. The organization provides strong benefits, including company-paid health benefits for employees, affordable family coverage, a typical bonus opportunity tied to company performance, and a 401(k) contribution made by the company as a percentage of salary regardless of employee contribution. The role is structured as a contract-to-hire position, providing exposure to multiple engineering companies and a clear path for professional growth.

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

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/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 Harrisburg,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 : $25 - $35