Automation Controls Engineer

Actalent; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Disability benefits

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Controls Engineer to join the Arlington, TX team on a contract-to-hire basis. You will design, program, and commission PLC and HMI-based control systems for liquid and solid separation equipment, focusing on upgrades and reliable operation.

Ideal candidates have at least two years of experience in industrial automation, hands-on Rockwell PLC/HMI work, and strong knowledge of motor controls, instrumentation, and Modbus networks.

Qualifications

• Two+ years of experience in industrial process automation.
• Hands-on PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with HMI design and programming.
• Knowledge of motor drives and rotating equipment.
• Understanding of electrical controls and sensors.
• Familiarity with Modbus and industrial networks.
• Proficiency with Rockwell software.
• MS Office for reporting and documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Provide automation and control engineering support for liquid and solid separation process equipment and systems.
• Design and implement custom control systems for dewatering and thickening process equipment.
• Develop, configure, and modify PLC programs using Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms and related programming software.
• Design, configure, and program HMI applications to provide intuitive operator interfaces and system visualization.
• Support on-site installation, commissioning, and start-up of control system upgrades, including verification and functional testing.
• Configure and troubleshoot motor controls, drives, and rotating equipment drive systems to ensure proper operation.
• Integrate and troubleshoot electrical controls, sensors, instrumentation, and control components.
• Configure and support industrial communication networks, including Ethernet-based and fieldbus protocols such as Modbus.
• Diagnose and resolve issues in automation and control systems, including PLC, HMI, VFDs, and associated field devices.
• Collaborate with internal teams and field personnel to ensure control system designs meet process requirements and safety standards.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including control system configurations, wiring diagrams, and functional descriptions.
• Use MS Office applications to create reports, documentation, and presentations related to projects and system performance.
• Communicate effectively in English, both in writing and verbally, when working with colleagues, customers, and service personnel.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC programming

HMI programming

Motor controls

Electrical instrumentation

Industrial networks

Rockwell PLC/HMI

MS Office

Tools

Rockwell software

HMI programming software

MS Office Suite

Job description

Job Title: Controls EngineerJob Description

This role provides automation and control engineering support for liquid and solid separation process equipment and systems, with a strong focus on control system upgrades. The Controls Engineer will design, program, and commission PLC and HMI-based control systems, support on-site installation and start-up activities, and ensure reliable, efficient operation of industrial process automation equipment.

Responsibilities

• Provide automation and control engineering support for liquid and solid separation process equipment and systems.
• Design and implement custom control systems for dewatering and thickening process equipment.
• Develop, configure, and modify PLC programs using Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms and related programming software.
• Design, configure, and program HMI applications to provide intuitive operator interfaces and system visualization.
• Support on-site installation, commissioning, and start-up of control system upgrades, including verification and functional testing.
• Configure and troubleshoot motor controls, drives, and rotating equipment drive systems to ensure proper operation.
• Integrate and troubleshoot electrical controls, sensors, instrumentation, and control components.
• Configure and support industrial communication networks, including Ethernet-based and fieldbus protocols such as Modbus.
• Diagnose and resolve issues in automation and control systems, including PLC, HMI, VFDs, and associated field devices.
• Collaborate with internal teams and field personnel to ensure control system designs meet process requirements and safety standards.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including control system configurations, wiring diagrams, and functional descriptions.
• Use MS Office applications to create reports, documentation, and presentations related to projects and system performance.
• Communicate effectively in English, both in writing and verbally, when working with colleagues, customers, and service personnel.

Essential Skills

• At least two years of experience in industrial process automation and control equipment and components.
• Hands‑on experience with PLC systems, including programming, configuration, and troubleshooting.
• Experience with HMI units, including design and programming of operator interfaces.
• Knowledge of motor controls, drives, and rotating equipment drive systems.
• Strong understanding of electrical controls, sensors, instrumentation, and control components.
• Knowledge of industrial communication networks, including protocols such as Modbus.
• Proficiency with Rockwell PLC and HMI programming software.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot automation and control systems effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with control system design for dewatering and thickening process equipment.
• Familiarity with additional industrial PLC platforms beyond Rockwell.
• Experience with industrial PLC, HMI, and VFD products and their programming software.
• Knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic systems used in industrial process equipment.
• Experience supporting on-site installation, commissioning, and start-up of control systems.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a methodical approach to diagnosing complex control system issues.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams and field personnel.

Work Environment

The role focuses on industrial process automation for liquid and solid separation equipment, combining office‑based engineering work with on‑site installation and commissioning activities. You will work extensively with PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, motor controls, sensors, and industrial communication networks such as Modbus, using Rockwell automation platforms and standard MS Office tools for documentation and reporting. The position may involve time at customer or plant sites, working around rotating equipment, electrical panels, and process machinery, and requires adherence to standard industrial safety practices and appropriate technical attire and personal protective equipment when in the field.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Arlington, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/hr.

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 Arlington,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 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 [e-mail] 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.