Controls Engineer

Actalent; Fort Collins (CO); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a skilled Controls Engineer for Fort Collins, CO to design, install, and maintain controls and automation in a manufacturing setting, with emphasis on Ignition SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, and data collection.

You will develop PLC logic (Structured Text and Ladder), build operator interfaces, and support commissioning from concept through validation, aiming to improve OEE and digital manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years in controls, automation, or related engineering roles.
• Experience with Ignition SCADA and PLC/HMI-based control systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide controls engineering support for troubleshooting, rebuilding, and repairing automated systems.
• Design, install, and upgrade equipment to improve manufacturing operations.
• Develop PLC logic in Structured Text and Ladder Logic for reliable production and improved OEE.
• Create and maintain controls and networking documentation for equipment and systems.

Skills

Ignition SCADA

PLC programming

HMI design

Troubleshooting

Structured Text

Ladder Logic

Allen-Bradley

B&R PLC

CNC knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Ignition SCADA

Allen-Bradley PLC

B&R PLC

HMI tools

Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer plays a key role in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of controls and automation projects within a manufacturing environment. This position focuses on integrating advanced technologies to enable digital manufacturing, improve product quality, increase throughput, and support innovation. The Controls Engineer will work extensively with Ignition SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, and industrial equipment to troubleshoot complex issues and develop robust, failsafe solutions that optimize production performance.

Responsibilities

• Provide controls engineering and technical support to manufacturing operations in troubleshooting, rebuilding, and repairing electrical equipment and automated systems.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by designing, selecting, and installing new equipment and systems, as well as enhancing existing equipment to improve manufacturing operations.
• Develop and incorporate PLC programming in Structured Text (with a preference for Python-based approaches where applicable) or Ladder Logic to ensure reliable production operation and increase overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Create and maintain comprehensive controls and networking documentation for equipment and systems, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for engineering and maintenance teams.
• Develop system architecture, PLC logic programming, and HMI operator interfaces for production equipment to support efficient and intuitive operation.
• Facilitate controls and automation projects from concept through commissioning, including defining operational specifications, sequence of operations, schematic drawings, PLC logic programming, installation drawings, onsite commissioning, and validation of system design.
• Design and specify machine control systems, integrated automation solutions including robotics and servo controls, HMI systems, and data collection systems in accordance with established design standards.
• Lead and support the development, troubleshooting, and expansion of an existing Ignition SCADA environment, including equipment integration, dashboard development, system-level troubleshooting, and broader controls-system optimization.
• Provide training and technical guidance to reliability technicians, including assisting in writing and developing standard operating procedures for controls and automation systems.
• Collaborate effectively with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure successful implementation, integration, and support of controls and automation initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience in controls, automation, or related engineering roles.
• Hands‑on experience developing and troubleshooting within Ignition SCADA, including expert‑level Ignition capabilities.
• Strong background in controls and automation engineering, with experience in PLC programming and HMI/SCADA‑based control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to independently troubleshoot issues within Ignition SCADA and related controls systems.
• Industrial equipment and system‑integration experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with PLC programming in Structured Text and Ladder Logic.
• Experience with Allen‑Bradley and B&R PLC platforms and related controls hardware.
• Knowledge of CNC controls and integration within automated manufacturing systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols and data collection systems.
• Proven production troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering and manufacturing teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience designing machine control systems, integrated automation including robotics and servo controls, and HMI systems.
• Experience developing production dashboards and visualization within Ignition SCADA.
• Familiarity with OEE concepts and methods for increasing equipment productivity through controls and automation improvements.
• Ability to create clear and detailed controls and networking documentation for equipment and systems.
• Experience defining operational specifications, sequence of operations, and installation requirements for controls projects.
• Ability to support training efforts for reliability technicians and assist in developing standard operating procedures.
• Comfort working in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment with evolving automation and digital manufacturing initiatives.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing environment with significant hands‑on interaction with industrial equipment, controls hardware, and automation systems. The position requires working onsite four days per week initially to support project and equipment‑integration needs, with the potential to transition to a hybrid arrangement with some work‑from‑home flexibility as projects stabilize and integration milestones are met. The Controls Engineer will work closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams, using technologies such as Ignition SCADA, PLCs, HMIs, robotics, servo systems, CNC equipment, and industrial communication networks. The environment is focused on continuous improvement, digital manufacturing, and system reliability, offering opportunities to contribute to innovative automation solutions and long‑term optimization of production processes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fort Collins, CO.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $65.00/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Fort Collins,CO.

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.