Controls Technician

Job Title: Controls Technician / Automation Field Service Engineer

Job Description

This role provides on-site electrical and controls engineering support for the installation, startup, commissioning, and optimization of automated manufacturing equipment. You serve as a field-based subject matter expert for Siemens PLCs, HMIs, motion control systems, robotics, CNC equipment, and integrated automation systems, ensuring reliable operation and continuous improvement of complex industrial automation solutions for a variety of customers.

Responsibilities

• Provide electrical and controls engineering support for the installation, startup, commissioning, and optimization of automated manufacturing equipment at customer sites.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for Siemens PLCs, HMIs, motion control systems, sensors, electromechanical devices, industrial robotics, and integrated automation systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, CNC, and automation-related issues on machine tools and automated manufacturing systems.
• Support machine commissioning, production launches, and system integration activities at customer facilities, ensuring smooth ramp-up and reliable operation.
• Travel to customer sites to provide startup assistance, troubleshooting, maintenance support, and technical expertise for industrial automation equipment.
• Analyze system performance data and recommend improvements to enhance equipment reliability, throughput, and efficiency.
• Maintain detailed service reports, troubleshooting records, and technical documentation to support ongoing maintenance and future projects.
• Collaborate closely with customers, vendors, and internal engineering teams to ensure successful project execution and high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation to diagnose and resolve control system issues.
• Use precision measuring tools such as calipers, dial indicators, and related inspection equipment to verify mechanical alignment and equipment condition.
• Support multiple shifts, including weekends and extended hours when needed, to meet project timelines and production requirements.
• Adhere to electrical design practices and safety standards while performing repairs, modifications, and system integrations on industrial equipment.

Essential Skills

• Strong understanding of electrical controls, machine automation, motion control systems, robotics, and system integration.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting electrical control panels and industrial automation equipment in an industrial environment.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming and industrial networking concepts.
• Experience with Siemens 840D NC Controllers and WinCC HMI systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Proficiency with precision measuring tools such as calipers, dial indicators, and related inspection equipment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with customers, vendors, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Experience working with industrial robotics, machine tools, CNC equipment, or automated manufacturing systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience troubleshooting equipment in an industrial setting.
• Ability to analyze and diagnose automation problems and implement effective solutions.
• CNC troubleshooting experience.
• Experience in IEC 61131 PLC programming languages.
• Ability to travel 50% or more to customer sites, primarily in the Charleston, SC and Kinston, NC areas.
• Comfort working on aerial platforms and at elevated heights.
• Ability to lift and move materials or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Capability to stand, walk, climb stairs, and work within a manufacturing environment for extended periods.
• Flexibility to support multiple shifts, including weekends and three 12-hour weekend shifts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Technical degree or certification with 3 years of industrial automation experience will also be considered.
• Siemens Step 7 PLC troubleshooting experience.
• Experience with Siemens TIA Portal for machine troubleshooting and diagnostics.
• Knowledge of IEC PLC programming languages and standards.
• Experience in electrical design practices for industrial automation systems.
• Experience with machine and motion control systems, electro-mechanical systems, and robotics programming.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and resolve complex automation issues.
• Experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, including Siemens PLCs.
• Exposure to RSLogix and Allen-Bradley PLCs.
• Experience in automation system integration, repair, and design.
• Education or experience in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or closely related disciplines.

Work Environment

This is a field-based role working on-site for a variety of industrial clients in the Savannah market and surrounding regions. You spend a significant portion of your time at customer manufacturing facilities, supporting automated production lines, machine tools, CNC equipment, and robotic systems. The work takes place in active industrial environments that may involve noise, moving machinery, and work at elevated heights or on aerial platforms. Travel of 50% or more is expected, including frequent trips to customer locations in Charleston, SC and Kinston, NC. You should be comfortable standing, walking, climbing stairs, and working on the production floor for extended periods, as well as lifting up to 40 pounds as needed. The schedule can include multiple shifts, weekend work, and three 12-hour weekend shifts to support commissioning, production launches, and urgent troubleshooting. You work with modern industrial automation technologies, including Siemens PLCs and HMIs, CNC controllers, robotics, precision measuring tools, and related diagnostic equipment, in a professional environment focused on safety, technical excellence, and collaborative problem-solving.

This is a Permanent position based out of Richmond Hill, GA.

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $90000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

6% 401(k) company match, no vesting period 100% paid healthcare coverage (medical, dental, vision) Disability plan & group life insurance program 3 weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) plus 13 paid holidays, including 3 floating holidays Tuition reimbursement program, up to $10,000/yr International travel opportunities (Germany)

This is a fully onsite position in Richmond Hill,GA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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 : $70,000 - $90,000