Controls Engineer

Actalent; Sparta (TN); On-site; USD 69,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls / Manufacturing Engineer for Sparta, TN. The role focuses on designing and optimizing PLC-based control systems, enhancing automation, and ensuring reliable production. You will collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams on improvements and new line startups.

Responsibilities include troubleshooting, developing HMI/SCADA interfaces, and implementing Lean/Six Sigma improvements to maximize efficiency and quality across the facility.

Qualifications

• Experience with industrial automation and troubleshooting in manufacturing.
• Solid ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and engineering drawings.
• Proficient in PLC programming and troubleshooting for industrial control applications.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills applied to complex equipment and process issues.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based control systems for reliable manufacturing operations.
• Develop and modify HMI/SCADA, motion control, and robotics automation to improve usability and performance.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, mechanical, and automation equipment to minimize downtime.
• Support installation, commissioning, and startup of new manufacturing equipment and lines.

Skills

Industrial automation

PLC programming

Electrical schematics

Analytical problem solving

Cross functional teamwork

Safety practices

Continuous improvement

Tools

Studio 5000

AutoCAD Electrical

HMI/SCADA software

Ethernet/IP

Job description

Job Title: Controls / Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

The Controls / Manufacturing Engineer develops, improves, troubleshoots, and maintains manufacturing processes, automated equipment, and industrial control systems. This role works closely with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to enhance equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, safety, quality, and overall productivity across the facility.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLC-based industrial control systems to support reliable and efficient manufacturing operations.
• Develop and modify HMI, SCADA, motion-control, and robotic automation systems to improve usability, performance, and integration with plant equipment.
• Troubleshoot electrical, controls, mechanical, and automation-related equipment issues to minimize downtime and restore production quickly.
• Support the installation, commissioning, and startup of new manufacturing equipment and production lines, ensuring proper functionality and integration.
• Develop and improve manufacturing processes to increase throughput, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality and consistency.
• Analyze equipment and process data to identify root causes of failures and implement effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, control-system documentation, machine specifications, and standard operating procedures to ensure accurate technical records.
• Work with maintenance personnel to diagnose recurring equipment problems and develop preventive and predictive maintenance strategies and improvements.
• Implement process improvements using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, and other continuous-improvement methodologies to drive operational excellence.
• Assist with equipment selection, capital projects, machine upgrades, and automation initiatives, providing technical input and support throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure manufacturing equipment and processes comply with applicable safety and quality requirements and internal standards.
• Collaborate with vendors, contractors, and equipment manufacturers on technical issues and projects to ensure successful implementation and support.
• Train production and maintenance personnel on new equipment, controls, and processes to promote safe, efficient, and consistent operation.
• Support new product introductions, process validation, tooling and fixture development, and production‑line development to meet quality and delivery objectives.
• Participate in failure analysis, corrective actions, and continuous‑improvement projects to enhance reliability and performance of equipment and processes.

Essential Skills

• Experience with industrial automation and manufacturing equipment, including hands‑on troubleshooting and support.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming and troubleshooting for industrial control applications.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and engineering drawings accurately.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills applied to complex equipment and process issues.
• Ability to work effectively with production, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams in a collaborative environment.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, industrial safety practices, and continuous‑improvement principles.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, PLC troubleshooting, and working with electrical schematics in a manufacturing setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Allen‑Bradley / Rockwell Automation PLCs and Studio 5000 for programming and configuration.
• Experience with Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron, or other PLC platforms used in industrial automation.
• Experience with HMIs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo systems, robotics, vision systems, and industrial networks.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical‑design software for creating and updating control‑system drawings.
• Experience with industrial robots such as FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, or comparable platforms.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, DeviceNet, Modbus, Profinet, or similar fieldbus networks.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PFMEA, control plans, and process capability analysis.
• Experience in project management or capital‑equipment projects, including planning, coordination, and implementation.

Work Environment

The role operates in a manufacturing environment that relies on automated equipment, industrial control systems, and robotics. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams on the production floor and in engineering areas, frequently interacting with PLCs, HMIs, robots, industrial networks, and electrical control panels. The position involves hands‑on work with machinery during installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and process improvement activities, requiring adherence to industrial safety practices and procedures. Work may include time both in an office setting for design, documentation, and analysis, and on the shop floor for testing, implementation, and support of equipment and processes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sparta, TN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $67.00/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 Oct 31, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sparta,TN.

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.