Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs and implements electrical and control systems for mechatronic production equipment, focusing on new and upgraded assembly and test lines. This role translates customer specifications and system requirements into robust control solutions, including electrical panel design, PLC and HMI programming, documentation development, simulation, testing, and commissioning support. The Controls Engineer also supports production by implementing engineering changes, troubleshooting complex equipment issues, and driving standardization and continuous improvement across control systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop new production lines and equipment, ensuring reliable and efficient control system performance.
• Create electrical schematics for new equipment based on specifications and existing design templates.
• Assist in the assembly and oversight of electrical control enclosures, providing feedback to improve future designs.
• Compose PLC and HMI programs for new equipment using specifications and established design templates.
• Develop robot and electric actuator programs and templates for new equipment designs.
• Maintain and update software change logs and repositories to capture issues, track progress, and support version control.
• Bring new equipment online and troubleshoot wiring and programming issues as needed during start-up and commissioning.
• Perform product preproduction builds on equipment and assist with operator training and transfer to production.
• Create equipment operating and troubleshooting documentation using existing templates and best practices.
• Participate in equipment design reviews, investigate technical problems, and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Contribute to equipment commissioning schedules and timelines to support on-time project delivery.
• Perform technical reviews of supplier documentation when equipment is provided by external resources.
• Support standardization activities with other internal departments to align control strategies and documentation.
• Implement engineering changes and update all required documentation and software for domestic and international equipment.
• Coordinate training for the Maintenance department and support programming and troubleshooting knowledge transfer so production can effectively support the equipment.
• Prepare spare parts definitions and recommendations to support reliable equipment operation.
• Serve as a primary technical resource for assigned equipment in production, providing feedback and insights to improve future designs.
• Participate in equipment installation and modification activities as needed, including some domestic and international travel.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2+ years of relevant experience, including related college-level coursework.
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering preferred.
• Ability to read and create detailed electrical schematics.
• Ability to measure signals in control enclosures using a multimeter.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical and mechanical issues on complex equipment.
• Ability to develop clear technical documentation and preventative maintenance procedures.
• Ability to participate in equipment installation and modification activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues at all levels.
• Knowledge of PLC programming, particularly ladder logic.
• Experience with text-based, function-block diagram, or flowchart-based computer languages.
• Experience with industrial robot programming or maintenance, including use of robot simulation software.
• Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC), NFPA, and IEC regulations related to industrial control systems.
• Proficiency in controls engineering and automation concepts.
• Experience with Rockwell-based control systems and HMI development.
• Ability to work with electrical design tools such as AutoCAD.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience composing PLC and HMI programs for new equipment using standard templates and specifications.
• Experience developing robot and electric actuator programs for automated equipment.
• Experience in mechatronic control systems and automated production lines.
• Familiarity with maintaining software change logs and repositories for control systems.
• Experience reviewing supplier documentation for externally provided equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to support standardization initiatives across departments.
• Comfort working with automation technologies, including industrial robots, actuators, and advanced control hardware.
• Interest in continuous learning and professional development, supported by formal training or coursework.

Work Environment

This role operates in a modern manufacturing and automation environment, working closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to design, program, and support complex assembly and test equipment. The Controls Engineer uses tools such as PLC programming software (including Rockwell platforms), HMI development environments, robot simulation tools, and electrical design software like AutoCAD, as well as standard electrical measurement equipment such as multimeters. Work typically involves a mix of office-based design and documentation tasks and hands-on activities on the production floor, including equipment installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and training. Some travel may be required to support domestic and international equipment installations. Team members benefit from innovative products, a diverse customer base, and a collaborative culture with smart, supportive colleagues and leadership invested in professional growth. The organization offers competitive compensation, paid vacation and personal time, comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, disability coverage, and a 401(k) with matching, along with tuition reimbursement and supplier discounts at major OEMs. The environment is further enriched by company events such as picnics and holiday gatherings and opportunities to support the community as a team.

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

The pay range for this position is $43.27 - $48.07/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 Contract to Hire position based out of Cazenovia, NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 29, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Cazenovia,NY.

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.