Controls Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Onsite health resources

401(k) match

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer to support development, programming, and optimization of automated manufacturing systems. The role focuses on improving equipment performance, increasing production efficiency, and implementing automation solutions across the facility.

Ideal candidates have PLC programming expertise and hands-on experience with industrial controls. You will design and troubleshoot automated control systems, lead capital improvement projects, and work with cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical field.
• Minimum of five years of controls engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Strong experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs, especially Allen-Bradley/Rockwell platforms.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics and drawings.
• Knowledge of industrial automation systems and machine controls.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and improve automated control systems for manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Program, troubleshoot, and modify PLC and HMI applications to enhance performance.
• Lead automation projects from concept through startup and validation.
• Diagnose and resolve controls-related electrical and automation issues.
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and engineering to implement process improvements.
• Update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel layouts.
• Maintain records of system modifications and project activities.
• Support equipment upgrades and system integrations.
• Ensure automation complies with safety, quality, and production goals.

Skills

PLC programming

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell

Electrical schematics

Troubleshooting

Automation projects

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/related

Tools

AutoCAD

Autodesk Inventor

Control panel design

Job description

Position Summary

We are seeking a Controls Engineer to support the development, programming, and optimization of automated manufacturing systems. This position plays a vital role in improving equipment performance, increasing production efficiency, and implementing automation solutions across the facility. The ideal candidate is experienced with PLC programming, industrial controls, and manufacturing processes, and enjoys working on projects that have a direct impact on operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and improve automated control systems for manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Program, troubleshoot, and modify PLC and HMI applications to enhance system performance and reliability.
• Lead and support automation and capital improvement projects from concept through startup and validation.
• Diagnose and resolve controls-related, electrical, and automation issues on production equipment.
• Partner with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify and implement process improvements.
• Create, review, and update electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control panel layouts, and related documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of system modifications, programming changes, and project activities.
• Support equipment upgrades, system integrations, and new technology implementations.
• Ensure automation systems comply with safety standards, quality requirements, and production objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of five years of controls engineering, automation, or industrial systems experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs, particularly Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Automation platforms.
• Proven ability to support and improve automated manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Knowledge of industrial automation systems, machine controls, and production equipment integration.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to troubleshooting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, or similar design software.
• Knowledge of control panel design, electrical wiring practices, and system integration.
• Exposure to robotic automation and machine safety systems.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement, lean manufacturing, or process optimization initiatives.
• Background managing or contributing to capital equipment and facility improvement projects.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across multiple departments.

Work Environment & Benefits

This role offers the opportunity to work on a variety of automation and manufacturing improvement initiatives in a collaborative and supportive environment. Team members enjoy a flexible schedule, a casual workplace culture, and significant opportunities to influence plant operations and future growth.

Benefits Include

• Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunities.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning on day one.
• Onsite health and wellness resources.
• Generous paid holidays and vacation time.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
• Strong advancement potential within the organization.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

If you're passionate about automation, controls, and solving complex manufacturing challenges, this position offers the chance to make a visible impact every day. You'll work with modern technologies, lead meaningful improvement projects, and join a company that invests in employee growth, innovation, and long-term career 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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Omaha,NE.

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.