Automation & Robotics Controls Engineer

ACTalent; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings

PTO and holidays

Life and disability insurance

Employee assistance and wellness

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer for a hands-on, on-site role in Newton, NC. You will work on industrial automation, enhance equipment reliability, and lead improvements across robotics, CNC, and vision systems within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

The position emphasizes project engineering responsibilities, safety, quality, and efficiency. A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering is required, with 3+ years of experience in controls engineering and Siemens/Fanuc

Qualifications

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation or manufacturing controls engineering within a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong technical experience in industrial automation and control systems, focusing on reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Hands-on experience with Siemens PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with Fanuc CNC controls and their integration into manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with robotics platforms such as Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, or similar industrial robots.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems for monitoring, control, and visualization of manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of industrial networks such as EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings for troubleshooting and design work.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to complex automation and controls challenges.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities to collaborate with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate control systems, products, components, and applications to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and safety.
• Assess emerging manufacturing and control technologies and incorporate them into specifications and system designs where appropriate.
• Develop and execute test procedures to validate control system functionality, including safety compliance and performance verification.
• Prepare and review electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic control drawings to support system design, modification, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to evaluate components, materials, and suppliers for control and automation systems.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of process and production data collection systems, including monitoring and reporting of key metrics.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, process, and engineering teams by responding to inquiries and resolving control-related issues.
• Maintain equipment performance through periodic audits, troubleshooting, coordinating repairs, and driving preventive maintenance initiatives.
• Lead and support continuous improvement efforts related to automation, controls, and manufacturing processes to enhance productivity and quality.
• Develop and maintain project documentation using established methodologies, tools, and templates to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Support supplier development activities and help ensure on-time delivery of components and services needed for control and automation projects.
• Work directly with advanced automation systems, robotics, vision systems, AGVs, Siemens PLCs, and CNC equipment to support plant operations.
• Lead automation improvements and implement control system enhancements that positively impact production of components for electric, hybrid, and traditional vehicle platforms.
• Troubleshoot control system issues on the production floor and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.
• Perform all other duties as assigned related to controls engineering, automation support, and manufacturing optimization.

Skills

Industrial automation

Siemens PLCs

Fanuc CNC

HMI/SCADA

Electrical schematics

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens PLCs

Fanuc CNC

HMI/SCADA

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer for a hands-on, on-site role in Newton, NC. You will work on industrial automation, enhance equipment reliability, and lead improvements across robotics, CNC, and vision systems within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

The position emphasizes project engineering responsibilities, safety, quality, and efficiency. A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering is required, with 3+ years of experience in controls engineering and Siemens/Fanuc