Controls Engineer

Actalent; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 128,943,000 - 171,924,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls & Automation Integrator on site at our Asheville, NC facility to lead commissioning, startup, and optimization of advanced automation equipment. The role requires hands-on skills with Allen-Bradley PLCs and FANUC robots, strong troubleshooting, and clear communication with customers and engineering teams.

You will work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and occasionally travel to Holland, MI to support projects.

Qualifications

• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLC programming and troubleshooting in manufacturing/automation.
• Hands-on experience with FANUC robots, including programming and integration.
• Proven machine integration experience bringing new equipment online and integrating into production lines.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in controls, automation, and robotics systems.
• Ability to read, interpret, and review electrical and controls schematics and automation design docs.
• Effective communication with customers, engineering teams, and operations.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Comfort working onsite as the primary technical representative.

Responsibilities

• Lead onsite commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and integration of automated manufacturing equipment.
• Act as the primary technical contact between the customer and engineering teams, ensuring clear communication.
• Participate in daily issue-review meetings and communicate project status, risks, and resolutions.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLC systems to support equipment functionality.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot FANUC robotic cells and integration with broader systems.
• Support system validation, testing, and performance optimization to meet specifications.
• Review electrical, controls, and automation designs to identify issues and drive resolutions.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including startup reports and service records.
• Provide technical training to customer personnel on operation and maintenance.
• Assist with HMI modifications to improve usability and visibility.
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase reliability and throughput.
• Promote safe work practices and adhere to site safety guidelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate systems with existing processes.
• Respond to equipment issues and diagnose controls problems hands-on.
• Share lessons learned and best practices with the engineering team.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLC programming

FANUC robot programming

machine integration

troubleshooting

reading schematics

customer-facing communication

onsite work

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

FANUC robotics

Job description

Job Description

The Controls & Automation Integrator will support the commissioning, startup, and optimization of advanced automation equipment at a manufacturing facility in Asheville, NC, with additional work in Holland, MI as needed. This highly visible, customer-facing role serves as the primary onsite technical liaison between the engineering team and the customer, ensuring the successful deployment and performance of new automation systems. The position requires strong expertise in controls and robotics, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while bringing new equipment online and resolving complex technical issues.

Job Title

Controls & Automation Integrator (Onsite)

Responsibilities

• Lead onsite commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and integration of automated manufacturing equipment.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact between the customer and engineering teams, ensuring clear and consistent communication.
• Participate in daily issue-review meetings and clearly communicate project status, risks, and resolutions.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLC systems to support automation equipment functionality.
• Program, modify, and troubleshoot FANUC robotic cells, including integration with broader automation systems.
• Support system validation, testing, and performance optimization to ensure equipment meets customer specifications and production requirements.
• Review electrical, controls, and automation designs to identify potential issues and drive resolutions during installation and startup.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including startup reports, service records, and configuration details.
• Provide technical support and training to customer personnel on equipment operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
• Assist with HMI modifications to improve usability, process visibility, and operator efficiency.
• Identify and implement process improvements and system enhancements to increase reliability, throughput, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Promote and maintain safe work practices while working at the customer facility, adhering to site safety procedures and guidelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of automation systems into existing manufacturing processes.
• Respond to equipment issues promptly and work hands-on to diagnose and resolve controls and automation problems.
• Document and communicate lessons learned and best practices to the broader engineering team to support continuous improvement.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience with Allen-Bradley PLC programming, modification, and troubleshooting in a manufacturing or automation environment.
• Hands-on experience with FANUC robots, including programming, integration, and troubleshooting of robotic cells.
• Demonstrated machine integration experience, including bringing new automated equipment online and integrating it into existing production lines.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in controls, automation, and robotics systems, with the ability to resolve complex technical issues independently.
• Ability to read, interpret, and review electrical and controls schematics and automation design documentation.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with customers, engineering teams, and operations personnel in a customer-facing role.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while managing multiple technical priorities.
• Comfort working onsite as the primary technical representative, maintaining professionalism and customer focus.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience participating in daily issue-review or production meetings and presenting technical updates to stakeholders.
• Background in system validation, testing, and performance optimization for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience creating and maintaining technical documentation such as startup reports and service records.
• Exposure to HMI configuration and modification to support process improvements and operator usability.
• Familiarity with safety practices in manufacturing and automation environments and commitment to safe work habits.
• Ability to train customer personnel on equipment operation and maintenance in a clear and structured manner.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with engineering, maintenance, and production teams.

Work Environment

This role is 100% onsite at a customer manufacturing facility, primarily in Asheville, NC with potential work in Holland, MI. The position runs through December 23, 2026 and typically requires 45–55 hours per week, with occasional weekend support based on project and production needs. The work takes place in a fast-paced, advanced automation and robotics environment involving Allen-Bradley PLCs, FANUC robotic cells, and integrated manufacturing equipment. The integrator will spend significant time on the production floor working hands-on with machinery, controls panels, and robotic systems, as well as participating in meetings and documentation activities. The facility follows standard industrial safety practices, and appropriate work attire and personal protective equipment are expected in production areas. The role offers a customer-facing setting where collaboration, technical excellence, and responsiveness are highly valued.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Asheville, NC.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/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 onsite position in Asheville,NC. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 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.