Controls Engineer

Actalent; Anoka (MN); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Comprehensive benefits package

401k + profit sharing

10 paid holidays

Flexible schedules

Casual dress code

Wellness programs

Steel toe reimbursement

Home computer reimbursement

Employee engagement programs

Job summary

Actalent in Anoka, MN is seeking a mid-level Controls Engineer to design and develop control programs for refrigeration systems. The role collaborates with the sales team as a technical advisor, coordinates engineers and technicians, and ensures reliable solutions for installation, operation, and repair.

The position requires 3–5 years of experience in controls engineering, PLC programming proficiency, and strong troubleshooting abilities.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of Controls Engineering experience in a manufacturing and/or equipment environment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming for industrial control applications.
• Experience serving as technical advisor to sales teams and customers; field service experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control programs for electro-mechanical and electronic control refrigeration systems.
• Coordinate day-to-day engineering tasks and project activities with minimal supervision.
• Act as technical advisor to outside sales team on controls and refrigeration systems.
• Troubleshoot control systems and related electrical equipment.
• Support field service activities including on-site diagnostics.
• Document programs and changes to maintain accurate records.

Skills

Controls engineering

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Field service support

Tools

PLC programming tools

Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs and develops control programs for electro-mechanical and electronic control refrigeration systems in a commercial and industrial environment. This mid-level role operates with minimal supervision, collaborates closely with the sales team as a technical advisor, and coordinates the work of other engineers and engineering technicians. The Controls Engineer provides reliable technical solutions, supports system operation, application, installation, and repair, and ensures high levels of customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop control programs for electro-mechanical and electronic control refrigeration systems.
• Work under minimal supervision while managing day-to-day engineering tasks and project activities.
• Coordinate the work of other engineers and engineering technicians to meet project goals and deadlines.
• Act as a technical advisor to the outside sales team, providing expert guidance on controls and refrigeration systems.
• Develop and present reliable technical solutions to resolve customer issues and ensure complete customer satisfaction.
• Direct and coordinate activities related to the operation, application, installation, and repair of commercial and industrial refrigeration products and systems.
• Perform PLC programming for manufacturing and equipment control applications.
• Troubleshoot control systems, electrical components, and related equipment in manufacturing or equipment environments.
• Support field service activities, including on-site diagnostics and technical assistance as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve system performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Document control programs, system configurations, and engineering changes to maintain accurate records.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in controls engineering and manufacturing processes.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of Controls Engineering experience in a manufacturing and/or equipment environment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming for industrial control applications.
• Hands-on experience with controls engineering for electro-mechanical and electronic systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for control systems, electrical equipment, and automation components.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and manage multiple tasks or projects simultaneously.
• Experience coordinating with engineers and engineering technicians on technical projects.
• Capability to serve as a technical advisor to sales teams and customers.
• Experience supporting the operation, application, installation, and repair of commercial and industrial refrigeration products and systems.
• Effective communication skills to explain technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Field experience in controls or related engineering disciplines (experience in the field is desirable).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing environment involving industrial equipment and control systems.
• Background in field service support for controls or refrigeration systems.
• Familiarity with commercial and industrial refrigeration applications.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and a customer-focused mindset.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams, including engineering, sales, and field service.
• Organizational skills to document designs, programs, and changes clearly and accurately.

Work Environment

This role primarily operates in a manufacturing and equipment-focused environment that supports commercial and industrial refrigeration systems. The position is onsite for the first 3–6 months to support onboarding, training, and integration with engineering, manufacturing, and field service teams, with the opportunity for remote or hybrid work thereafter. The work involves using PLC programming tools, electrical and electronic test equipment, and standard office technology for design and documentation. The company offers flexible schedules, a casual dress code, and supports the use of steel‑toe footwear with a reimbursement program. The environment emphasizes employee well‑being and engagement through wellness programs, incentives, and employee engagement initiatives.

Benefits include vacation and personal hours (available after 30 days), competitive wages, a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term disability, long‑term disability, AD&D, HSA/FSA, EAP), 401(k) and profit sharing, 10 paid holidays, wellness programs, steel‑toe reimbursement, employee engagement programs, and a one‑time home computer reimbursement.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Anoka, MN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

What Can We Offer You?

• Vacation and Personal Hours (after only 30 days!)
• Competitive Wages
• Comprehensive Benefits Package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, STD, LTD, AD&D, HSA/FSA, EAP)
• 401k and Profit Sharing
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Flexible Schedules
• Casual Dress Code
• Wellness Programs and Incentives
• Steel Toe Reimbursement
• Employee Engagement Programs
• One‑time Home Computer Reimbursement
• And more! Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Anoka,MN. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 23, 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.