Controls Engineer

Actalent; Omaha (NE); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (day one)

401(k) with employer match

Onsite health clinic

Paid holidays & vacation

Educational assistance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a seasoned Controls Engineer to design, program, troubleshoot, and continuously improve automated manufacturing equipment and plant control systems in Omaha, NE. The role focuses on PLC programming, Rockwell controls, and cross-functional collaboration to boost plant performance.

Responsibilities include developing PLC/HMI programs, supporting capital projects, reviewing electrical drawings, and ensuring safety and quality standards are met.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of controls engineering or automation experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong PLC programming experience, preferably with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Experience troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment and industrial control systems.
• Ability to read, create, and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Knowledge of industrial automation, process controls, and machine integration.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and optimize manufacturing equipment and automated control systems.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs to improve equipment reliability and performance.
• Support capital improvement projects from concept through implementation.
• Diagnose and resolve controls, electrical, and automation-related issues on production equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to improve manufacturing processes.
• Design and review control panels, wiring layouts, schematics, and electrical drawings.
• Create and maintain technical documentation for automation systems and equipment modifications.
• Ensure equipment meets safety, quality, and production requirements.

Skills

PLC programming

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley controls

Automation systems

Manufacturing environments

Electrical schematics reading

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

AutoCAD

Autodesk Inventor

Electrical drawings

Schematic capture

Job description

We are looking for a Controls Engineer to support the design, programming, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated manufacturing equipment and plant control systems. This role will work closely with engineering and operations teams to implement capital projects, improve system performance, and drive manufacturing efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in PLC programming, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley controls, automation systems, and manufacturing environments. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization that offers long-term career advancement, a collaborative culture, and the ability to make a direct impact on plant operations.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and optimize manufacturing equipment and automated control systems.
• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC and HMI programs to improve equipment reliability and performance.
• Support capital improvement projects from concept through implementation.
• Diagnose and resolve controls, electrical, and automation-related issues on production equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to improve manufacturing processes.
• Design and review control panels, wiring layouts, schematics, and electrical drawings.
• Create and maintain technical documentation for automation systems and equipment modifications.
• Ensure equipment meets safety, quality, and production requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of controls engineering or automation experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong PLC programming experience, preferably with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Experience troubleshooting automated manufacturing equipment and industrial control systems.
• Ability to read, create, and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Knowledge of industrial automation, process controls, and machine integration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.
• background in control panel design, wiring, and electrical system integration.
• Robotics and machine guarding experience.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement and manufacturing optimization initiatives.
• Experience supporting capital equipment projects.

Work Environment & Benefits

• Flexible work schedule and casual work environment.
• Opportunity to work on high-impact automation and capital improvement projects.
• Strong growth potential with advancement opportunities at the local facility.
• Competitive compensation package with bonus potential.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance beginning on day one.
• Onsite health clinic access.
• Generous paid holidays and vacation time.
• 401(k) with employer match upon permanent hire.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Educational Assistance and Career Development Programs.

Why Join Us?

Join a team where your automation expertise directly influences plant performance and innovation. You'll work with modern manufacturing technology, lead meaningful improvement projects, and enjoy a company culture that values growth, collaboration, and employee development.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Omaha, NE.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $120000.00/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 hybrid position in Omaha,NE.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026.

About Actalent

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.