Embedded Controls Engineer

The Embedded Controls Engineer will support and optimize the controls layer of next-generation automated machinery, focusing on a soft PLC platform (CODESYS) running on Linux-based industrial PCs connected directly to electrical panels. This role requires an embedded software mindset and a strong ability to work at the intersection of hardware and software. You will inherit an existing structured text codebase, untangle complex logic, optimize global variables, and improve deployment reliability within a constrained IDE environment. The position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys deep technical challenges, real-time systems, and close collaboration with cross-functional mechanical and software teams.

• Own the maintenance, debugging, and optimization of soft PLC code (CODESYS / Structured Text) running on local industrial PCs.
• Refactor existing code to improve reliability, reduce duplication, and introduce more robust testing methodologies appropriate for the environment.
• Manage remote deployments and rollbacks of control software to industrial hardware operating in the field.
• Troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical systems, including sensor inputs and barcode integrations, directly on automated machinery.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical and software engineering teams to bridge the gap between high-level orchestration software and physical motor and motion control.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including design notes, operational runbooks, and implementation details for the controls layer.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in embedded software engineering, with proficiency in C and C++ programming.
• Willingness and ability to quickly learn and adapt to structured text programming and the CODESYS IDE environment.
• Hands-on experience working directly with industrial hardware, industrial PCs (IPCs), and Linux-based systems.
• Strong debugging and root-cause analysis skills for complex, real-time embedded and control systems.
• Experience with embedded control systems and soft PLC platforms.
• Familiarity with CODESYS and IEC 61131-3 programming languages for industrial control.

• Direct experience with soft PLCs or IEC 61131-3 programming languages, such as structured text, ladder logic, or function block diagrams.
• Experience with servo-based motion control systems, including tuning and integration into automated machinery.
• Comfort operating in constrained development environments without traditional high-level software tools, such as standard unit and integration testing frameworks.
• Ability to work effectively at the intersection of hardware and software, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Strong written communication skills to produce clear technical documentation, design notes, and runbooks.

The role is based in an industrial automation environment that combines office-based engineering work with hands-on interaction with machinery and electrical panels. You will work with Linux-based industrial PCs running CODESYS soft PLCs and structured text code, directly connected to sensors, motors, and other electro-mechanical components. The position involves occasional work on the factory floor or in test labs to troubleshoot hardware, integrate sensors and barcode systems, and validate motion control behavior. Collaboration with mechanical and software teams is frequent, and you will operate within a constrained IDE environment where traditional high-level testing frameworks may not be available, requiring a practical, system-level approach to verification and reliability.

This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $80.00/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 North Reading,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 15, 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 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 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.