Remote Traveling Controls Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on supporting a large-scale PLC code deployment and optimization project, enabling existing facilities to transition from a core network to a cloud-based infrastructure. You will work with existing PLC systems to enable a new data application, ensuring that Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) data flows accurately from equipment to the cloud and into a data lake. The position offers the opportunity to work on complex industrial automation systems in a fully remote, fast-paced environment, with exposure to a high-impact program and potential for future long-term opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Support a PLC code deployment project for existing facilities as part of a broader optimization initiative.
• Pull and consolidate existing PLC site code from multiple facilities to support the transition from a core network to a cloud infrastructure.
• Analyze and document how many PLCs are present at each site and identify the function, inputs, and outputs of each PLC.
• Create accurate PLC data models and input structures so that the cloud-based data application and data lake can correctly interpret OEE and other equipment data.
• Ensure that OEE data from equipment is correctly directed to the cloud by defining and validating the required data points and tags.
• Work closely with a lead project manager or lead engineer for each site to provide completed PLC data models and documentation for reintegration.
• Interpret technical drawings, system schematics, and related documentation to understand existing control architectures and signal flows.
• Troubleshoot issues related to PLC logic, data mapping, and communication in a remote environment, escalating as needed.
• Work independently on assigned sites and tasks, managing time and priorities to meet aggressive deployment targets.
• Collaborate with a distributed engineering team to share findings, best practices, and updates on deployment progress.
• Maintain clear and organized documentation of PLC configurations, data mappings, and site-specific models for future reference.
• Demonstrate high initiative and a strong bias for action to drive site completion and meet monthly deployment goals.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and controls engineering.
• Experience supporting engineering, controls, or commissioning-related projects.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, system schematics, and engineering documentation.
• Familiarity with PLCs, HMI systems, or industrial automation environments.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, particularly in a remote support context.
• Comfort working independently in a fully remote, fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Controls, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.
• 1-2 years of professional experience in programming, controls, or a related discipline, or strong internship experience with meaningful programming work.
• High initiative and a strong bias for action to drive tasks to completion.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Software or programming beyond core PLC work is a plus.
• Experience with large-scale, multi-site industrial automation or controls projects is beneficial.
• Comfort collaborating with cross-functional engineering and project management teams.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and deployment schedules.
• Regional alignment to the project's primary time zone to support potential site visits, with a preference for candidates who can be based in or near Nashville.

Work Environment

This is a fully remote role where you work independently on clearly defined, task-based projects. Engineers are assigned specific sites and are responsible for completing PLC data models and code-related tasks for those locations. The deployment schedule is fast-paced, with an approximate target of 30 sites in June, 40 sites in July, and around 70 sites per month in August and September, distributed across a team of four. You will operate primarily in an industrial automation context, working with PLCs, HMI systems, and related control technologies, while collaborating virtually with project managers and engineers. The environment emphasizes initiative, ownership, and the ability to deliver high-quality work under ambitious timelines

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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 remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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.