Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer (Contract)

Job Description

This contract Controls Engineer role leads controls integration efforts for processing, packaging, and material handling systems, ensuring operational reliability, system performance, and continuous improvement in a manufacturing environment. The position supports plant controls activities and project work for at least 12 months, with a focus on PLC programming, troubleshooting, and optimization of industrial automation systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead controls integration efforts for processing, packaging, and material handling systems to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC, HMI, SCADA, and industrial control systems to support production and project needs.
• Develop and maintain control system architectures, network layouts, and electrical documentation to ensure clarity and consistency.
• Configure and support variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo systems, instrumentation, and process control systems.
• Drive standardization of controls platforms, programming structures, and documentation across equipment and projects.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, controls, communication, and automation failures to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
• Lead root cause analysis for recurring controls issues and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Lead controls-related aspects of capital projects from concept through commissioning, including design, implementation, and start-up support.
• Coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure successful project execution and system integration.
• Ensure proper documentation, backups, and change management processes for all control systems and programming changes.
• Assist with project planning, budgeting, and timeline development for controls-related work.
• Provide plant support for high-speed automated manufacturing equipment, including processing and packaging systems.
• Travel during the day to other sites within approximately 1.5 hours when needed (about 25-30%) to support controls activities and projects.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of controls engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, with proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLCs.
• Experience with industrial automation platforms such as Rockwell / Allen-Bradley and Keyence.
• Knowledge of HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking for integrated control systems.
• Experience with VFDs, servo systems, instrumentation, and electrical systems in an industrial setting.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics and related documentation.
• Experience supporting high-speed automated manufacturing equipment, particularly processing and packaging equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical, controls, and automation systems.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, OEMs, and integrators.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and support multiple projects and plant initiatives.
• Willingness and ability to travel during the day to other sites within approximately 1.5 hours (25-30% travel).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in consumer goods manufacturing environments.
• Experience working with processing and packaging equipment in automated production lines.
• Familiarity with Keyence controls and related automation components.
• Experience working in a clean, organized manufacturing facility.
• Ability to drive standardization of control platforms, programming practices, and documentation.

Work Environment

The role is based in a clean manufacturing environment focused on automated processing and packaging operations. You will work with high-speed production equipment, PLC-based control systems, HMIs, SCADA platforms, VFDs, servo systems, and industrial networking technologies. The position requires regular on-site presence in the plant and day travel to other nearby facilities within approximately 1.5 hours as needed, accounting for about 25-30% of the time. The environment emphasizes cleanliness, organization, and strong operational reliability, with close collaboration among engineering, maintenance, production, and external partners such as OEMs and system integrators.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Nashville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Nashville,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 18, 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.