Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer evaluates data, layouts, and CAD drawings to propose technological improvements to production processes and implements robust PLC-based control systems. This role configures, programs, tests, and troubleshoots control systems and associated components, with a strong focus on Allen-Bradley platforms and GM machine controls. The Controls Engineer supports automation initiatives, conducts simulations to verify PLC designs, and provides ongoing technical support and troubleshooting for equipment and PLC-related queries.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate production data, layouts, and CAD drawings to identify opportunities for technological improvements in manufacturing processes.
• Configure, program, test, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems and associated components to ensure reliable operation.
• Leverage knowledge of GM machine controls, servo drive hardware, and software to implement and optimize control systems.
• Program PLCs using RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, and CodeSys to meet project and production requirements.
• Conduct simulations to verify PLC code design and perform verification and validation to ensure design correctness and system integrity.
• Provide support for automation systems and assist with user testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.
• Respond to and resolve queries related to PLC programming and controls functionality in a timely and accurate manner.
• Troubleshoot equipment and systems within the assigned area of responsibility to minimize downtime and improve performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in the plant to implement controls solutions that enhance safety, quality, and productivity.

Essential Skills

• Experience configuring, programming, testing, and troubleshooting PLC-based control systems.
• Strong proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLCs and related control hardware and software.
• Ability to program PLCs using RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, and CodeSys.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting PLCs and resolving controls-related issues in a production environment.
• Knowledge of GM machine controls and servo drive hardware and software.
• Experience with DeviceNet and related industrial communication networks.
• Understanding of ladder logic programming and its application in industrial control systems.
• Familiarity with vision systems used in automated manufacturing and inspection processes.
• Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data, layouts, and CAD drawings.
• Ability to support automation systems and provide technical guidance to plant personnel.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in an OEM environment, particularly within automotive manufacturing settings.
• Exposure to unionized plant operations and the ability to work effectively within established procedures and guidelines.
• Experience in implementing improvements to production processes through controls and automation.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Work Environment

This role is based in an OEM plant with a unionized environment, focusing on automotive manufacturing and machine controls. The position is on second shift, working six days per week from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with regular overtime, totaling approximately 55–60 hours per week. The Controls Engineer works on the plant floor and in engineering areas, using PLC programming tools such as RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, and CodeSys, as well as Allen-Bradley hardware, servo drives, DeviceNet networks, and vision systems. The environment is production-focused, with close collaboration among engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to support and improve automated equipment and processes.

This is a Contract position based out of Arlington, TX.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $52.00/hr.

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.

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 Arlington,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 27, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.