Senior Controls Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Controls Engineer to lead PLC, controls, and equipment support and integration in our efforts to refine critical minerals, rare-earth elements, and battery metals. This role is essential in transforming laboratory discoveries into robust, continuous, and commercially viable processes for high-purity oxide and metal production.

• Lead engineering projects focused on the design, implementation, and optimization of control and automation systems for manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Design, configure, program, and validate PLC-based control systems, including control logic, I/O architecture, motion control, alarming, safety systems, and system diagnostics.
• Develop and maintain HMI, SCADA, and operator interface solutions to enhance usability, diagnostics, and operational effectiveness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define control system requirements, develop functional specifications, and align technical solutions with manufacturing and business needs.
• Lead and participate in factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT), startup, and commissioning activities, including the development of test plans and turnover documentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex control system issues during development, startup, and production support using structured problem-solving and data-driven analysis.
• Support integration with sensors, vision systems, and industrial networks.
• Assist in documenting control system designs, software, and procedures for release to production.
• Support continuous improvement of system reliability, safety, and performance.

• 5 years of experience in controls, automation, or industrial systems engineering.
• Basic knowledge of PLC programming concepts and HMI development tools.
• Familiarity with industrial control platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Beckhoff, or similar.
• Understanding of sensors, actuators, and industrial I/O systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

• Experience with Rockwell automation products and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems.

The role is primarily based in a chemical processing facility in Marion, with occasional work in Noblesville. The environment involves both lab and manufacturing settings, requiring adaptability to varied work conditions. This position offers the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and rapidly growing organization with government and DOD backing for funding, and potential career advancement to lead or supervisory roles.

This is a Permanent position based out of Marion, IN.

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

will have full time benefits Also open to CTH MEdical dental vision, etc

This is a fully onsite position in Marion,IN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 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 : $90,000 - $140,000