Controls Engineer

Actalent; South Carolina; On-site; USD 62,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance (Voluntary)

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Engineer for an on-site contract in Spartanburg, SC. The role involves designing and programming Allen-Bradley PLC-based control systems, supporting offline development, and participating in FAT/SAT, startup, and optimization activities.

The assignment runs through December with potential extension. You will work with controls, robotics, and system integration teams in a dynamic manufacturing environment, with hours typically ranging and potential overtime during

Qualifications

• Experience programming Allen-Bradley PLCs from scratch for industrial automation.
• Hands-on RSLogix/Rockwell familiarity in control systems.
• Experience with FAT/SAT and on-site testing.
• Ability to support startup and commissioning of automation projects.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop Allen-Bradley PLC programs for automated systems.
• Perform offline PLC programming and configuration activities.
• Participate in FAT to validate performance before shipment.
• Participate in SAT to confirm functionality on-site.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues during startup and commissioning.
• Optimize control logic to improve reliability and throughput.
• Collaborate with controls, robotics, and system integration teams.
• Provide on-site startup support and equipment installation assistance.
• Ensure projects meet schedule and technical specs.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLCs

RSLogix / Rockwell

Industrial automation

Troubleshooting

Startup support

Off-line programming

HMI programming

Team collaboration

On-site work

Tools

Rockwell Automation

HMI platforms

Industrial control software

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Controls Engineer Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to support complex automation projects from initial concept through full commissioning in a dynamic manufacturing environment in Spartanburg, SC. As a Controls Engineer, you will design and program Allen-Bradley PLC-based control systems, contribute to offline development, and play a key role in testing, startup, and optimization activities. The position runs through December with a strong likelihood of extension or placement on future projects, providing ongoing exposure to large-scale integration work and critical automation initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop Allen-Bradley PLC programs from scratch for automated manufacturing systems.
• Perform offline PLC and control system programming, configuration, and development activities.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to validate system performance prior to shipment.
• Participate in Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to confirm system functionality and compliance on-site.
• Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve issues in industrial automation systems during startup and commissioning.
• Optimize control logic and system performance to improve reliability, throughput, and safety.
• Collaborate closely with controls, robotics, and system integration teams throughout project execution.
• Assist with equipment installation activities and provide on-site startup support as needed.
• Ensure projects are completed on schedule while meeting all technical specifications and customer requirements.
• Provide ongoing technical support for automation systems during testing, startup, and early production phases.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience programming Allen-Bradley PLCs from scratch for industrial automation applications.
• Hands‑on experience with Allen‑Bradley / Rockwell Automation platforms, including RSLogix or similar tools.
• Strong background in PLC programming and controls engineering for automated manufacturing systems.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and support industrial automation and control systems.
• Experience supporting machine commissioning, startup, and optimization in a manufacturing or integration environment.
• Direct experience with offline programming, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and installation support.
• Solid understanding of industrial controls, system integration principles, and automation architectures.
• Ability to work on‑site in Spartanburg, SC for the duration of the assignment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working for or with a systems integrator on complex automation projects.
• HMI programming experience on Rockwell or comparable platforms.
• Familiarity with automated manufacturing equipment and robotics integration.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills for working with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast‑paced project environment.
• Willingness to support extended hours during critical project phases such as FAT, SAT, and installations.

Work Environment

This is an on‑site role at a manufacturing and integration facility in Spartanburg, SC. You will work directly within an industrial automation environment, using Allen‑Bradley and Rockwell technologies, including PLCs, RSLogix, and HMI systems. Typical hours range from approximately 45 to 55 hours per week during offline programming, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), with the potential to exceed 60 hours per week during equipment installations and critical commissioning phases. The setting is a hands‑on engineering environment focused on supporting large integration projects, with close collaboration among controls, robotics, and system integration teams and a culture that emphasizes technical excellence, project ownership, and ongoing opportunities for future assignments based on performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Spartanburg, SC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/hr.

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 & A