Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer with 3–5 years of hands-on PLC programming experience to develop, commission, and support automated dock work cells. In this role, you design and implement PLC-based control systems, ensure machine safety, and maintain automation support tools in a fast-paced industrial environment. You work closely with cross-functional teams across the full system lifecycle, from requirements gathering to commissioning and debug, while leveraging Rockwell platforms, Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Python, and Linux.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program, and support PLC-based control systems for automated work cells.
• Program, test, and maintain controls applications using Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
• Own the full controls lifecycle from requirements gathering and technical specification through development, commissioning, and debug.
• Maintain and enhance Python-based tools for automation support, device integration, data logging, and diagnostics.
• Work in a Linux environment for scripting, troubleshooting, basic networking, and service support.
• Support machine safety systems, including safety PLC logic and integration of light curtains, time-of-flight sensors, door locks, and emergency stops.
• Troubleshoot complex electromechanical systems and drive root cause analysis and resolution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, operations, and support teams across the full system lifecycle.
• Create and maintain clear technical documentation, including requirements, specifications, schematics, and commissioning records.
• Demonstrate strong ownership, accountability, and a bias for action in a fast-paced, agile environment.
• Apply and support machinery safety concepts and standards in system design and implementation.
• Support integration of robotic work cells, including robot I/O interfacing and safety-rated monitoring where applicable.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of hands-on PLC programming experience.
• Strong experience with Rockwell PLC platforms and associated tools such as RSLogix or similar Rockwell programming environments.
• Proficiency in Ladder Logic and Structured Text programming for industrial control systems.
• Working knowledge of Python for script support, bug fixes, and small enhancements to automation tools.
• Comfort working in a Linux operating system environment for scripting, troubleshooting, and basic networking tasks.
• Experience with system commissioning, debug, and troubleshooting of automated equipment.
• Experience with safety PLCs and machine safety concepts, including implementation of safety logic.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, IO-Link, OPC-UA, TCP/IP, and Modbus.
• Ability to operate effectively in a cross-functional, fast-paced engineering environment.
• Strong communication and documentation skills to clearly convey technical information.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with C and/or C for embedded or automation-related applications.
• Experience with Siemens PLCs, including safety controllers such as F-CPU.
• Familiarity with version control and development tools such as Git, Jira, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience with cloud and monitoring tools such as AWS S3 and CloudWatch.
• Experience with robotic work cells, including robot I/O interfacing and safety-rated monitoring.
• Knowledge of machinery safety standards such as ISO standards, IEC standards, NFPA 79, and UL 508A.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in technical projects.
• Proven record of navigating ambiguous requirements and delivering results in agile environments.
• Experience in controls engineering, including design, implementation, and support of industrial automation systems.

Work Environment

This role operates in a hands-on industrial environment focused on automated dock work cells and robotic systems. You work directly with PLC-based control hardware, industrial networks, and safety devices such as light curtains, time-of-flight sensors, door locks, and emergency stops. The position involves frequent collaboration with cross-functional engineering and operations teams, as well as on-site commissioning, debugging, and troubleshooting of electromechanical systems. You use tools and technologies including Rockwell PLC platforms and RSLogix, Linux-based systems for scripting and diagnostics, Python for automation support tools, and industrial communication protocols like EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, IO-Link, OPC-UA, TCP/IP, and Modbus. Modern software practices such as Git, Jira, CI/CD pipelines, and AWS services (S3, CloudWatch) may be part of the workflow. The environment is fast-paced and agile, with an emphasis on ownership, safety, and reliable operation of automated equipment.

This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.

The pay range for this position is $135000.00 - $145000.00/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 North Reading,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 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 : $135,000 - $145,000