Controls Engineer

Actalent; Batavia (IL); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Project/Electrical Engineer in Batavia, IL. This full-time role blends field service with end-to-end project management for electrical control panel solutions across metalworking and food manufacturing sectors.

You will design control systems, retrofit safety upgrades, and support projects from scope through commissioning. The position requires travel to customer sites and a mix of office, shop, and field work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent.
• Proficiency in ladder logic and text-based languages for machinery.
• Experience with multiple PLC platforms and software.
• Experience using AutoCAD Electrical for schematics.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects from scope to final installation with site visits and timelines.
• Design electrical schematics for control systems ensuring safety and standards compliance.
• Perform final quality checks on control systems before shipping.
• Write ladder logic and text-based programs for machinery and automation.
• Provide onsite field service including commissioning and startup support.
• Coordinate installation services post-shipment and ensure proper operation.
• Assist panel shop with layout, wiring, and testing as needed to stay on schedule.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to resolve technical issues and maintain project satisfaction.

Skills

Ladder logic programming

PLC programming

Field service

Independent work

Troubleshooting electrical systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Software Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Job Title: Project/Electrical EngineerJob Description

This full-time Project/Electrical Engineer role combines hands-on field service with end-to-end project management for electrical control panel solutions across diverse industries, including metal working and food manufacturing/packaging. The engineer designs and implements modern control systems, retrofits older equipment with upgraded safety systems, and supports projects from initial scope definition through installation and commissioning. This is an exempt, salaried position that focuses on meeting project deadlines and deliverables rather than strictly tracking time.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects from initial scope definition through final installation, including conducting site visits to determine project requirements, developing and maintaining project timelines, and ensuring all milestones are met.

• Design and develop electrical schematics for control systems, ensuring accuracy, safety, and compliance with applicable standards.

• Perform a thorough final quality check of control systems prior to shipping, verifying that all hardware, wiring, and programming meet project specifications.

• Write software to control machinery using ladder logic and text-based programming languages, tailoring solutions to each customers equipment and process needs.

• Provide onsite field service, including system commissioning, startup support, and electrical troubleshooting for new and existing control systems.

• Deliver installation services after the project has shipped, coordinating with customer personnel to ensure proper integration and operation of equipment.

• Assist the panel shop when needed, supporting panel layout, wiring, testing, and general shop activities to keep projects on schedule.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and customers to resolve technical issues, clarify requirements, and ensure customer satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.

• Travel to customer sites as required to perform site assessments, commissioning, troubleshooting, and installation work.

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the successful completion of projects and the overall goals of the organization.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline such as Electrical, Mechanical, or Software Engineering, or a closely related field, or equivalent demonstrated abilities.

• Proficiency in writing software using ladder logic and text-based programming languages for machinery and automation control.

• Familiarity with multiple manufacturers PLC programming software and the ability to adapt to different platforms.

• Experience using electrical diagramming software such as AutoCAD Electrical to create and modify electrical schematics.

• Knowledge of general PC computer programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel, for documentation, reporting, and project tracking.

• Strong critical and creative thinking skills with the ability to analyze complex technical problems and develop effective solutions.

• Ability to work independently in the field and in the office, including making informed decisions on site without direct supervision.

• Capability to perform onsite electrical troubleshooting and commissioning of control systems.

• Physical ability to lift at least 50 pounds to handle tools, components, and equipment as needed for installation and service work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with robotics and robotic integration is a plus.

• Background in automation and controls engineering, including PLC programming, control panel design, and system integration.

• Experience with AutoCAD or similar design tools for creating and updating control panel layouts and wiring diagrams.

• Ability to support both field service and project management activities, adjusting focus based on workload and project needs.

• Willingness to travel to customer sites for field service, commissioning, and project meetings as required.

• Comfort working directly with owners or senior leadership and communicating project status clearly and professionally.

Work Environment

The Project/Electrical Engineer works primarily a standard schedule of approximately 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, about 40 hours per week, with flexibility based on workload and project deadlines. The role is project- and deadline-oriented rather than strictly time-based, and it involves a mix of office, shop, and field environments. Office and design work typically involves using PCs with software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PLC programming tools from various manufacturers, and electrical design software such as AutoCAD Electrical. Shop and field work includes time in a panel fabrication environment and at customer facilities, which may be in industries such as metal working and food manufacturing/packaging. The work can involve standing, walking, climbing onto equipment, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working around industrial machinery and electrical systems. Some travel is required for site visits, installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting. The organization supports an inclusive, equal-opportunity work environment where individuals are evaluated based on their skills, experience, and contributions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Batavia, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $60.00/hr.

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.

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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Batavia, IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Batavia,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.