Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer installs, programs, and maintains industrial automation systems, ensuring reliable operation of plant equipment and supporting occasional system start-ups and commissioning at customer sites. This role combines electrical, mechanical, and controls expertise to build and support hydraulic power units, troubleshoot PLC-based systems, and keep manufacturing equipment running safely and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Install automation systems from initial rough-in through termination, ensuring all electrical and control components are correctly wired and integrated.
• Program PLCs and configure control systems to meet equipment and process requirements.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair automation and control system issues to minimize equipment downtime.
• Perform ongoing maintenance on electrical, mechanical, and electro-mechanical systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Build and assemble hydraulic power units for plant equipment, including integration with control systems.
• Interpret and work from blueprints, electrical drawings, and schematics to install, modify, and repair equipment.
• Support occasional start-ups, commissioning, and troubleshooting at customer sites, including travel as needed.
• Respond to off-hour emergencies to restore equipment and system functionality when required.
• Collaborate daily with mechanics, operators, and other team members across multiple shifts to resolve equipment issues and improve system performance.
• Use MS Word, Outlook, and Excel to document work, communicate with team members, and track maintenance and project activities.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in electrical, electronics, controls/automation, and/or system maintenance in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of PLC controls and software, particularly with Allen-Bradley and Omron systems.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming, troubleshooting, and modification of control logic.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints and electrical schematics.
• Practical experience with electro-mechanical systems, including hydraulics and pneumatics.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting automation and manufacturing equipment issues.
• Valid driver’s license to support occasional travel to customer sites.
• Ability to respond to off-hour emergencies as needed.
• Basic set of personal hand tools suitable for electrical and mechanical work.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Outlook, and Excel for documentation and communication.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working on manufacturing machinery similar to those used in industrial production environments.
• Experience as a maintenance technician in a manufacturing or industrial setting.
• Experience in a growing organization with evolving automation and controls needs.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills to work effectively with mechanics, operators, and engineering staff.
• Professional development mindset and interest in expanding skills in controls, automation, and system integration.

Work Environment

This position is based in a manufacturing facility and operates on a day shift schedule from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Controls Engineer works closely with 3–4 other mechanics and interacts regularly with a mix of first and second shift operators, totaling roughly 55 team members across both shifts. The environment involves hands-on work with industrial automation, manufacturing equipment, hydraulic power units, and PLC-based control systems. Occasional travel to customer sites is required for system start-ups, commissioning, and troubleshooting. The company supports professional development and offers opportunities to grow within a larger corporate structure. The dress code includes jeans, a short or long sleeve shirt appropriate to the weather, and steel-toed boots for safety on the shop floor.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kingston, NY.

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $36.00/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 Kingston,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on May 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 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 : $34 - $36