Automation Controls Engineer: PLC & Robotics

Actalent; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer in Lexington, KY to provide hands-on controls support for fabrication, finishing, and assembly operations. You will troubleshoot automated equipment, optimize PLC and robotic programs, and collaborate with production and maintenance to improve performance and reliability.

The role offers exposure to advanced manufacturing technology, ongoing technical training, and strong potential for long-term career growth, with a contract position based in a modern

Qualifications

• This role requires 2–5 years in electrical controls or manufacturing environments.
• Strong PLC programming and troubleshooting skills with robotic system experience.
• Experience reading blueprints/schematics and applying control principles.
• Hands-on automation support for conveyors, presses, welders, and assembly lines.
• Experience with HMI programming and operator interface configuration.
• Ability to work with pneumatic and hydraulic systems in automated equipment.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and provide day-to-day controls support in a manufacturing setting.
• Analyze and remove production barriers across automated equipment.
• Modify, debug, and optimize PLC programs to improve uptime.
• Update robotics programs to support process improvements and quality.
• Configure and maintain motor controls, sensors, and related components.
• Develop operator interfaces and HMIs for usability and efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to plan equipment installations and upgrades.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation for electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, PLC, and robotic systems.
• Support shop floor data collection systems for visibility into performance.

Skills

2-5 yrs exp

PLC programming

Robotics experience

Electrical controls troubleshooting

HMI programming

Pneumatic & hydraulic knowledge

Reading blueprints/schematics

Industrial automation

Control systems design

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer in Lexington, KY to provide hands-on controls support for fabrication, finishing, and assembly operations. You will troubleshoot automated equipment, optimize PLC and robotic programs, and collaborate with production and maintenance to improve performance and reliability.

The role offers exposure to advanced manufacturing technology, ongoing technical training, and strong potential for long-term career growth, with a contract position based in a modern