Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer will design, program, and commission advanced automation and robotic equipment used to build products in a high-volume Powertrain manufacturing environment at a large-scale gigafactory. This role focuses on either PLC or robotics expertise and involves creating reliable, efficient, and integrated control systems that support a mission-driven, innovation-focused organization.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement control systems for automation and robotic equipment used in Powertrain manufacturing.
• Specialize in either PLC or robotics, taking ownership of projects in your core area of expertise.
• Program and troubleshoot PLCs, with a focus on Siemens TIA Portal for logic, HMI/SCADA, and motion control applications.
• Develop and optimize HMI/SCADA interfaces to ensure efficient and intuitive operation of production equipment.
• Configure and commission drives and motion control systems, including servos and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Integrate and support controls hardware such as sensors, remote I/O, servos, VFDs, machine vision systems, and barcode readers.
• Implement and maintain industrial networking protocols such as Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, and related technologies.
• Program, integrate, and troubleshoot 6-axis industrial robots, primarily FANUC, including cell integration and path optimization.
• Leverage iRVision or similar machine vision tools (when applicable) to enhance robotic guidance and inspection processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in automation, mechanical, and manufacturing engineering to deliver robust production solutions.
• Present and verbally walk through at least one recent project (completed within the past two years) that demonstrates your PLC or robotics expertise during the interview process.
• Document control system designs, configurations, and changes to support maintainability and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to increase equipment reliability, throughput, and safety.
• Utilize an integrated engineering environment (such as TIA Portal) to streamline development, testing, and deployment of control solutions.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 12 years of recent, relevant experience in controls engineering, automation engineering, or a closely related field within the last two years.
• Strong proficiency in either PLC programming or robotics (expertise in both is welcome but not required).
• For PLC-focused candidates: hands-on experience with Siemens TIA Portal for PLC programming, HMI/SCADA design, and drive/motion control configuration.
• For robotics-focused candidates: professional experience with FANUC 6-axis robots, including programming, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to present and verbally explain at least one project completed within the past two years that showcases your PLC or robotics skills.
• Experience with controls hardware such as sensors, remote I/O, servos, VFDs, machine vision systems, and barcode readers.
• Familiarity with industrial networking protocols such as Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and EtherCAT.
• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls and Computer Control Systems, Mechatronic Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to diagnose and resolve issues in complex automated systems.
• Solid understanding of automation and controls engineering principles in an industrial or manufacturing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with integrated engineering platforms like TIA Portal to manage PLC, HMI, and motion control in a unified environment.
• Exposure to additional robotics platforms beyond FANUC is beneficial.
• Experience with iRVision or other machine vision tools is a plus but not required.
• Experience in programming and robotics within high-volume manufacturing or automotive/powertrain environments is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, high-performance teams focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication skills to clearly explain technical concepts and project details to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to new technologies and rapidly changing production requirements.

Work Environment

This is a long-term contract-to-hire opportunity at a large gigafactory located off USA Parkway, approximately 3045 minutes east of Reno. The facility operates in a high-volume, advanced manufacturing environment focused on Powertrain production, where automation and robotics play a central role in operations. You will work with modern control technologies including Siemens TIA Portal, industrial networking (such as Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and EtherCAT), FANUC 6-axis robots, and a variety of sensors, remote I/O, servos, VFDs, machine vision systems, and barcode readers. The culture emphasizes purpose, innovation, and growth, offering mission-driven work in a high-performance setting with significant opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge automation solutions.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sparks, NV.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $73.00/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 Contract to Hire position based out of Sparks, NV.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 26, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Sparks,NV.

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 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.