Controls Engineer

Actalent; Bartlett (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Job summary

Actalent in Bartlett, IL is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to design electrical controls and software using PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, and related hardware for standard and custom automation products. The role blends electrical design, programming, and hands‑on testing to meet specifications and cost targets.

The position is permanent and onsite in Bartlett, IL, with travel limited in the first year.

Qualifications

• Proficient in designing electrical controls and troubleshooting.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, and related hardware/software.
• Hands-on design, testing, and troubleshooting to meet specs and costs.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical controls and associated software for various products.
• Perform hands-on design, testing, and troubleshooting of electrical controls and programming.
• Produce conceptual custom systems design and quotes as required.
• Conduct final system run-offs to verify proper functionality.
• Provide customer site installation, service, and support when needed.
• Maintain documentation necessary for product manufacturing, adhering to standards and TQM practices.

Skills

PLC programming

Electrical design

PC programming

5-20 years experience

Education

BSEE or 2-year/associate degree

Job description

Job Title: Electrical Controls EngineerJob Description

Design electrical controls and associated software using PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, and other hardware/software for both standard and custom automation products. Engage in hands-on design, testing, and troubleshooting of electrical controls and programming to meet specifications, schedules, and cost requirements. The role involves a mix of electrical design, programming, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical controls and associated software for various products.
• Perform hands‑on design, testing, and troubleshooting of electrical controls and programming.
• Produce conceptual custom systems design and quotes as required.
• Conduct final system run-offs to verify proper functionality.
• Provide customer site installation, service, and support when needed.
• Maintain documentation necessary for product manufacturing, adhering to standards and TQM practices.

Essential Skills

• PLC programming
• Electrical design and troubleshooting
• PC programming
• 5-20 years of relevant experience
• BSEE or associate's degree strongly desired

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience with both hardware and software, with a preference for software.
• Willingness to learn and adapt new skills.
• Knowledge of B&R Automation and other PLC/HMI/Motion Controls.
• Understanding of Industrial Ethernet protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, PowerLink, EtherCAT, CC-Link, Modbus.
• Good organizational and communication skills.
• Good mechanical aptitude.
• Understanding of machine safety standards and performing machine risk assessments.
• Experience with electronic test instrumentation, HMI or PC programming, motion control, and AutoCAD Electrical is a plus.

Work Environment

The company has a family-driven culture with approximately 150 employees. Initially, there will be almost no travel during the first year due to training. Post‑training, travel is expected to be no more than 10% per year, primarily within the US. Travel plans will be scheduled well in advance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Bartlett, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $128000.00/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.

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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Bartlett, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 3, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Bartlett,IL.

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.