Controls Engineer

Actalent; Greencastle (Franklin County); On-site; USD 76,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in Greencastle, PA is seeking a Controls Engineer to join an Embedded Controls and Software team. You will develop, test, and validate advanced vehicle control systems for high-capacity boom lift platforms, taking control strategies from concept through production.

This contract role emphasizes hands-on machine-level testing, collaboration with electrical and software engineers, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance through rigorous validation and field testing.

Qualifications

• 510 years of vehicle controls engineering experience.
• Experience designing and implementing vehicle control strategies.
• Hands-on physical vehicle testing and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience in automotive/heavy equipment environments.
• Proficiency with CAN Bus / J1939 protocols.
• Strong control strategy development and validation background.
• Ability to collaborate with embedded controls and software teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop vehicle control strategies for high-capacity boom lift platforms and mobile equipment.
• Support Ultra Boom Refresh Program and Machine Regulation initiatives; design and refine control systems.
• Perform hands-on testing, validation, and troubleshooting on machines and vehicles.
• Collaborate with Embedded Controls and Software teams to integrate control strategies.
• Participate in full product development cycles from concept to production launch.
• Ensure performance, safety, and regulatory compliance through validation activities.
• Use CAN Bus / J1939 to develop, test, and debug control systems.
• Coordinate with Controls, Software, Electrical, and Product Development teams.
• Document control strategies, test procedures, and validation results.
• Assist in troubleshooting field or production issues and propose actions.
• Contribute engineering expertise in complex project environments led by senior staff.

Skills

Vehicle controls engineering

Control strategy development

Hands-on testing

CAN Bus / J1939 protocols

Cross-functional collaboration

Embedded systems awareness

Production implementation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics

Tools

CAN Bus / J1939

Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

This role supports an Embedded Controls and Software Engineering team by developing, testing, and validating advanced vehicle control systems for high-capacity boom lift platforms, including the 1200SJP, 1350SJP, 1500SJP, and 1850SJ product lines. The Controls Engineer contributes to critical product development initiatives such as the Ultra Boom Refresh Program and Machine Regulation projects, taking control strategies from concept through production implementation. The position combines controls development expertise with hands-on machine-level validation in a heavy equipment or vehicle environment and offers strong potential for long-term engagement based on project needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop vehicle control strategies for high-capacity boom lift platforms and related mobile equipment.
• Support the Ultra Boom Refresh Program and Machine Regulation initiatives by designing, implementing, and refining advanced vehicle control systems.
• Perform hands-on physical vehicle testing, including validation and troubleshooting of control systems on machines and vehicles.
• Collaborate closely with Embedded Controls and Software Engineering teams to integrate control strategies into embedded software and hardware platforms.
• Participate in full product development cycles, from concept and design through testing, validation, and production launch.
• Conduct machine-level validation activities to ensure control systems meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Use CAN Bus / J1939 communication protocols to develop, test, and debug vehicle control systems.
• Work cross-functionally with Controls, Software, Electrical, and Product Development teams to resolve technical issues and optimize system performance.
• Support documentation of control strategies, test procedures, and validation results to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Assist in troubleshooting field or production issues related to vehicle controls and propose corrective actions.
• Contribute engineering expertise within complex project environments, including those led by principal-level engineering staff.

Essential Skills

• 510 years of vehicle controls engineering experience.
• Proven experience designing and implementing vehicle control strategies.
• Hands-on physical vehicle testing and troubleshooting experience in a heavy equipment or vehicle environment.
• Experience working within automotive, heavy-duty vehicle, off-highway, agricultural equipment, or construction equipment environments.
• Proficiency with CAN Bus / J1939 communication protocols for vehicle systems.
• Strong background in vehicle controls engineering, including control strategy development and validation.
• Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering discipline.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with embedded controls and software teams on control system integration.
• Demonstrated capability to take control strategies from development through production implementation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with aerial work platforms, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, or heavy-duty vehicles.
• Experience supporting new product development and production launch activities.
• Prior experience working within Principal Engineer or Senior Principal Engineer-level project environments.
• Familiarity with embedded software and controls integration on mobile equipment.
• Exposure to embedded controls and software development processes in off-highway or heavy equipment industries.
• Experience in off-highway, agricultural, construction, or heavy equipment industries.
• Comfort using tools and workflows for vehicle controls engineering and CAN-based diagnostics.
• Interest in long-term project-based work with potential contract extensions, including vacation and holiday pay benefits.

Work Environment

The role operates in a hands-on engineering environment with significant machine interaction and testing on high-capacity boom lift platforms and other mobile equipment. Controls Engineers work closely with cross-functional teams, including Controls, Software, Electrical, and Product Development, in a collaborative setting focused on product development, validation, and launch. The environment emphasizes practical, on-machine testing and troubleshooting, integration of embedded controls and software, and close coordination with principal-level engineering leadership. Work hours and shifts follow standard engineering project schedules, with activities centered around lab, test yard, and field validation settings where safety-conscious attire suitable for a heavy equipment environment is expected.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Greencastle, PA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $76.00/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 Nov 19, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Greencastle,PA.

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.