Controls Engineer

Actalent; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Glendale, CA is seeking a Controls Engineer specialized in aerospace-grade automation. This contract-to-hire role focuses on designing, programming, and supporting control systems for custom automated equipment, integrating PLCs, HMIs, electrical design, and system integration.

You will work hands-on with mechanical, electrical, and production teams through design, programming, testing, commissioning, and continuous improvement to deliver high-performance automation solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC-controlled automation systems.
• Knowledge of HMIs, industrial controls, sensors, relays, and automation hardware.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, engineering drawings, and technical specifications.
• Experience with industrial automation equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement control systems for custom automation equipment.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs and HMIs.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control panel designs, and technical documentation.
• Integrate electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems into automated equipment.
• Test, validate, and troubleshoot automation systems to ensure performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams throughout the design, build, and commissioning process.
• Support process improvement initiatives and enhance existing automation equipment.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical schematics

Electrical design

Industrial automation

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Job description

Controls Engineer- Aerospace

Join a team designing and building custom industrial automation equipment. This role focuses on developing and supporting control systems for automated machinery, combining PLC programming, HMI development, electrical design, and system integration to deliver reliable, high-performance automation solutions.

Work Environment Hands-on engineering environment focused on custom automation and manufacturing solutions. Engineers work closely with mechanical, electrical, and production teams while supporting the full lifecycle of automation projects, from system design and programming through testing, commissioning, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement control systems for custom automation equipment
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs and HMIs
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, control panel designs, and technical documentation
• Integrate electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical systems into automated equipment
• Test, validate, and troubleshoot automation systems to ensure performance and reliability
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams throughout the design, build, and commissioning process
• Support process improvement initiatives and enhance existing automation equipment

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC-controlled automation systems
• Knowledge of HMIs, industrial controls, sensors, relays, and automation hardware
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, engineering drawings, and technical specifications
• Experience with industrial automation equipment and manufacturing processes
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with custom automation machinery and manufacturing equipment
• Familiarity with electrical control panel design and integration
• Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic control systems
• Knowledge of SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar CAD software
• Experience driving process improvement and equipment optimization projects

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Glendale, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Glendale,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 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.