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Controls Engineer

Actalent
Knoxville, TN Contractor
POSTED ON 8/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/7/2026

Job Title: Sr. Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role involves supporting the design and development of instrumentation and controls (I&C) throughout all phases of the design lifecycle. The position includes testing, analysis, and implementation of hardware according to design requirements.

Responsibilities

  • Design I&C for process systems, including controls, instrumentation, data collection, electro-mechanical systems, automation, robotics, and connectivity.
  • Collaborate with system and mechanical engineers, designers, and analysts on detailed design development.
  • Support mechanical engineers in creating process flow diagrams and piping and instrumentation diagrams.
  • Interface with architectural and engineering firms to support I&C system development and implementation.
  • Develop functional requirements and procurement specifications for instrumentation and control systems.
  • Design, specify, and oversee the procurement of process instrumentation.
  • Develop control systems for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and other plant functionalities.
  • Create or oversee the development of human-machine interface (HMI) screens.
  • Develop specifications for Programmable Logic Control (PLC) or Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and components.
  • Develop control logic code and implement on PLCs/DCS.
  • Author I&C system hardware descriptions, including requirements, functional specifications, and architecture descriptions.
  • Develop troubleshooting plans and failure mode analysis documents for design reviews.
  • Author factory acceptance test procedures and write guidance for instrument checking, calibration, and testing.
  • Interface with other workgroups, including System Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Radiation Protection, and Cyber Security.
  • Assist teams in resolving I&C design issues.

Essential Skills:

  • 7 years of proficiency with PLC, DCS, or HMI design or programming experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering, controls engineering, instrumentation, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, or electrical computer engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited university or college.
  • Knowledge or experience in software engineering, software development, or utilization of a software development toolset.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Typically five years of experience in an engineering role required.
  • A master’s degree in engineering or a related field can substitute for two years of experience.
  • A Ph.D. in engineering or a related field can substitute for three years of experience.
  • Experience in application or development of software codes or standards.

Work Environment

This position is based in an on-site manufacturing environment. The role involves working with various teams and requires adherence to safety and operational protocols.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Knoxville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $80.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Knoxville,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 1, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

  • Hiring diverse talent
  • Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
  • Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
  • Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $40 - $80

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