Entry-Level Controls Engineer

Job Title: Electrical Controls Engineer

Job Description

This Electrical Controls Engineer role focuses on designing, programming, and supporting custom automated manufacturing systems from concept through installation. You will develop electrical designs, program control systems, support commissioning activities, troubleshoot automation equipment, and collaborate closely with customers and internal teams to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope. The position requires travel to customer sites to support commissioning, implementation, and ongoing system support.

Responsibilities

• Design and program industrial automation and control systems for custom manufacturing applications.
• Develop detailed electrical schematics, system layouts, and related project documentation using AutoCAD Electrical or similar design tools.
• Program, test, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and machine control systems to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
• Manage projects from initial design through startup, installation, and final handover, ensuring alignment with scope and schedule.
• Support commissioning efforts at customer sites, including system startup, tuning, and performance verification.
• Troubleshoot automation equipment and control systems both remotely and on-site to resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Collaborate with customers, production teams, and project stakeholders to clarify requirements, provide updates, and address technical concerns.
• Travel to customer facilities for commissioning, support, and project implementation activities as required.
• Prepare and maintain clear, accurate documentation for designs, programs, and system changes throughout the project lifecycle.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of control system standards, design practices, and programming templates.

Essential Skills

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Hands-on experience with industrial controls and automation systems, including electrical design and implementation.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical design software for creating schematics and layouts.
• Practical experience in PLC programming, with strong knowledge of Allen-Bradley PLC platforms.
• Experience with HMI and machine control programming, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for diagnosing and resolving issues with automation equipment and control systems.
• Project management abilities to manage work from design through startup and installation while meeting deadlines.
• Effective communication skills to work directly with customers, production teams, and project stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to travel to customer sites for commissioning, support, and implementation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background in manufacturing, machine building, or systems integration is preferred.
• Experience working within industrial automation environments and custom equipment design.
• Familiarity with broader automation programming concepts and control engineering practices.
• Outgoing and extroverted personality, with the ability to build strong relationships and communicate comfortably with customers and internal teams.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary project team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail when preparing documentation and managing multiple projects.

Work Environment

The role is based in an engineering and manufacturing environment and involves regular collaboration with design, production, and project teams. You will work extensively with industrial automation technologies, including PLCs, HMIs, and custom automated manufacturing systems, and use tools such as AutoCAD Electrical for schematic and layout design. The position requires travel to customer sites for commissioning, startup, and support, where you will work directly on production floors and within industrial facilities. The work environment emphasizes teamwork, clear communication, and a project-focused mindset to ensure successful delivery of custom automation solutions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fredericktown, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $28.00/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 Fredericktown,OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 6, 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.