Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs and implements electrical control systems for automated material handling equipment, contributing to project-based applications from initial specifications through commissioning. This role focuses on developing PLC and PAC logic, creating HMI applications, and supporting automated equipment and warehouse execution solutions for a variety of customer projects.

Responsibilities

• Use and follow established departmental process workflow steps to complete project work accurately and on schedule.
• Meet with clients and internal project teams to define applications and produce clear descriptions of operation documents.
• Generate project-specific documentation using standard company formats to ensure consistency and traceability.
• Develop application programs to control automated equipment based on detailed electrical and mechanical system designs and operational requirements.
• Create standard PLC programs for real-time control of automated equipment and for collection of diagnostic and production data.
• Use automation programming software to develop PLC programs that interface with devices such as network I/O, variable speed drives, camera and laser scanner identification systems, and scales.
• Customize standard products and software templates to meet the specific requirements of each project and customer application.
• Design and develop application programs for HMI screens to provide intuitive and effective operator interfaces.
• Conduct in-house preliminary testing of control systems to verify functionality before deployment.
• Perform onsite testing of systems installed at customer facilities to validate performance and reliability.
• Interact closely with mechanical and electrical engineering teams during project design reviews to ensure integrated system performance.
• Perform onsite technical checkout of automated equipment and control systems prior to commissioning.
• Lead or support on-site system commissioning at client sites to validate controls software and ensure successful startup.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience in the material handling industry.
• Hands-on experience with RSLogix and Studio 5000 software for PLC programming.
• Experience working with Allen Bradley PLC and PAC controllers.
• Strong knowledge in industrial control systems, including PLCs and HMIs.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical for control system and panel design.
• Solid understanding and proficiency working with 480VAC 3-phase power.
• Ability to develop PLC programs for real-time control and data collection in automated environments.
• Experience creating HMI application programs and screen designs.
• Capability to work with automation programming software to interface with network I/O, variable speed drives, camera and laser scanner ID systems, and scales.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience customizing standard control system products to meet unique project requirements.
• Experience in automated equipment and warehouse execution environments.
• Ability to produce clear and detailed descriptions of operation and project documentation.
• Comfort working in a project-based, application-focused setting with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration skills for working with mechanical and electrical engineering teams.
• Interest in long-term opportunities, with potential to transition into a full-time hire.
• Ability to travel regularly to customer sites and work independently while remote.

Work Environment

The Controls Engineer works primarily on a remote basis when not traveling to customer sites, providing flexibility while supporting ongoing projects. The role involves approximately 40–60% travel to client facilities for onsite testing, technical checkout, and system commissioning. Work is project-based within the material handling industry, using technologies such as Allen Bradley PLC/PAC controllers, RSLogix, Studio 5000, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, and HMI development tools. The environment emphasizes collaboration with internal engineering teams, structured workflows, and hands-on work with industrial control systems and 480VAC 3-phase power in customer facilities.

This is a Contract position based out of Charleston, SC.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/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 remote position.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 21, 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 : $40 - $55