Controls Engineer

Actalent; Morristown (TN); On-site; USD 69,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer in Morristown, TN to support an e-compressor production line. The role focuses on troubleshooting PLC-controlled cells, modifying PLC programs, and optimizing lines with cross-functional teams.

You will work on individual cells, integrate Allen-Bradley controls, HMIs, and robotics, and contribute to reliability, quality, and efficiency while adapting to a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Overtime opportunities may apply.

Qualifications

• Proven PLC troubleshooting experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Heavy experience modifying PLC programs to support changes.
• Practical experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs in industry.
• Experience using HMIs to monitor and troubleshoot automated systems.
• Background in controls engineering or related automation roles.
• Robotic programming experience with cell-level adjustments.
• Experience in fast-paced manufacturing; automotive background preferred but not required.
• Strong ability to prioritize tasks as production demands shift.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment on individual manufacturing cells to ensure reliable operation.
• Heaviiy modify PLC programs to support new equipment and line changes.
• Support implementation and optimization of production lines by adjusting control logic.
• Diagnose issues with HMIs, robotics, and automation systems.
• Collaborate with production and maintenance to reduce downtime and improve line performance.
• Use robotic programming to optimize cell cycle time and quality.
• Interpret electrical schematics to support troubleshooting and modifications.
• Prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Document changes to PLCs and system configurations for future reference.
• Identify opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements.

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

PLC modification

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMIs

Controls engineering

Robotics programming

Manufacturing environment

prioritization

Education

Electrical engineering or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMIs

Job description

Controls Engineer

Job Description

This Controls Engineer role focuses on supporting smaller scale projects and line optimization for an e-compressor production line. You will troubleshoot equipment, heavily modify and support existing PLC programs, and work on individual cells rather than entire production lines. The position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to efficient, high-quality manufacturing while working in a dynamic environment with opportunities for overtime.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment on individual manufacturing cells to ensure reliable and efficient operation.
• Heavily modify existing PLC programs to support new equipment, process changes, and line optimization initiatives.
• Support the implementation and optimization of e-compressor production lines by adjusting control logic and resolving equipment issues.
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to HMIs, robotics, and automation systems within the production environment.
• Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to quickly address equipment downtime and improve overall line performance.
• Use robotic programming skills to adjust and fine-tune robotic cells for improved cycle time, quality, and safety.
• Interpret and work with electrical schematics to support troubleshooting and system modifications.
• Prioritize tasks effectively and remain focused while handling multiple issues in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Document changes to PLC programs, control logic, and system configurations to maintain accurate records and support future troubleshooting.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities to enhance automation, reliability, and efficiency.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in PLC troubleshooting, including identifying faults and implementing effective solutions.
• Hands-on experience heavily modifying PLC programs to support production changes and optimization.
• Practical experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Experience working with HMIs to monitor, control, and troubleshoot automated systems.
• Experience in controls engineering or closely related automation roles.
• Robotic programming experience, including configuring and adjusting robotic cells.
• Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, with automotive manufacturing experience considered ideal but not required.
• Strong ability to prioritize tasks and stay focused when production demands and priorities change quickly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with electrical schematic design or the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics.
• Education or experience in electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a related electrical discipline.
• Experience with general automation systems, including integration of PLCs, HMIs, and robotics.
• Exposure to line optimization projects or continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to diagnosing complex automation issues.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including maintenance, production, and engineering.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced manufacturing environment focused on e-compressor production. You will work on individual automated cells that integrate PLCs, Allen-Bradley controls, HMIs, and robotic systems. The position supports a short-term project with the ability to work overtime, providing additional earning potential and exposure to high-intensity production demands. You will operate in a setting where priorities can shift quickly, requiring adaptability and focus while working around active machinery and automation equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Morristown, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Morristown, TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 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.