Controls Engineer

Actalent; Town of Wausau (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) retirement plan and profit‑shar

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Life insurance and disability

Job summary

Actalent in Wausau, WI is seeking a Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission industrial control systems. You will develop control panels, PLC and HMI programs, and documentation while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams, clients, vendors, and contractors.

You will support projects from design through commissioning and start-up, troubleshoot systems, and ensure safe, reliable operation. Relevant experience with Rockwell/AB platforms and FactoryTalk is preferred, along with

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering degree, or an Associate degree with 5+ years of relevant working experience in controls or a closely related field.
• Hands‑on experience with automation systems and PLC programming for industrial applications.
• Experience with PLC hardware, software, and configuration, including Rockwell / Allen‑Bradley platforms.
• Proficiency in programming and configuring HMIs.
• Experience with FactoryTalk SE and FactoryTalk ME programming environments.
• Strong knowledge of electrical fundamentals, including power distribution, control circuits, and panel design.
• Understanding of networking fundamentals relevant to industrial control systems and communication networks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for documentation, reporting, and communication.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies, tools, and project requirements.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively as part of a team.
• Understanding of project workflows from design through estimating, coordination, procurement, construction support, and pre‑fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Design control panels for industrial processes, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and project requirements.
• Develop detailed I/O lists and I/O wiring diagrams to support control system implementation and documentation.
• Contribute to the development of complete construction packages and technical specifications for control and electrical systems.
• Create network diagrams and drawings that define communication architectures for control systems and related equipment.
• Program industrial PLCs and HMIs to meet process and operational requirements.
• Troubleshoot installed control systems and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and performance.
• Coordinate with project clients, equipment vendors, and contractors to clarify requirements and support successful project delivery.
• Support project start-up activities by participating in field commissioning, testing, and validation of control systems.
• Perform design modifications for new and existing electrical installations and power systems to accommodate changes in scope or process requirements.

Skills

Automation systems

PLC programming

HMI programming

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley

FactoryTalk SE/ME

Electrical fundamentals

Networking fundamentals

MS Office

Team collaboration

Independence & initiative

Education

Bachelor's or Associate degree in engineering

Tools

Rockwell / Allen-Bradley hardware

FactoryTalk SE/ME

Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and commissions industrial control systems for complex processes. This role develops control panel designs, PLC and HMI programs, and supporting documentation while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, clients, vendors, and contractors. The Controls Engineer supports projects from initial design through construction, commissioning, and ongoing troubleshooting, ensuring reliable, efficient, and safe operation of industrial systems.

Responsibilities

• Design control panels for industrial processes, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and project requirements.
• Develop detailed I/O lists and I/O wiring diagrams to support control system implementation and documentation.
• Contribute to the development of complete construction packages and technical specifications for control and electrical systems.
• Create network diagrams and drawings that define communication architectures for control systems and related equipment.
• Program industrial Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) to meet process and operational requirements.
• Perform application engineering for sensing and control devices, including configuration, integration, and system-level troubleshooting.
• Troubleshoot installed control systems and implement corrective actions to improve reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with other engineering colleagues on multi-discipline projects, coordinating control system requirements with mechanical, electrical, and other disciplines.
• Coordinate with project clients, equipment vendors, and contractors to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and support successful project delivery.
• Support project start-up activities by participating in field commissioning, testing, and validation of control systems.
• Perform design modifications for new and existing electrical installations and power systems to accommodate changes in scope or process requirements.
• Provide technical support, constructive input, recommendations, and practical solutions to other departments and project stakeholders.
• Take initiative to meet challenging project timelines and budget constraints, proactively addressing risks and obstacles.
• Generate bills of material and detailed electrical schematics to support procurement, fabrication, and installation activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Engineering degree, or an Associate degree with 5+ years of relevant working experience in controls or a closely related field.
• Hands‑on experience with automation systems and PLC programming for industrial applications.
• Experience with PLC hardware, software, and configuration, including Rockwell / Allen‑Bradley platforms.
• Proficiency in programming and configuring Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs).
• Experience with FactoryTalk SE and FactoryTalk ME programming environments.
• Strong knowledge of electrical fundamentals, including power distribution, control circuits, and panel design.
• Understanding of networking fundamentals relevant to industrial control systems and communication networks.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, for documentation, reporting, and communication.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to new technologies, tools, and project requirements.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively as part of a team.
• Understanding of project workflows from design through estimating, coordination, procurement, construction support, and pre‑fabrication.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience contributing to the development of construction packages and technical specifications for industrial projects.
• Experience creating detailed network diagrams and control system drawings.
• Experience in application engineering for sensing and control devices in industrial environments.
• Experience supporting field commissioning, start‑up, and troubleshooting of installed control systems.
• Demonstrated ability to provide practical technical support and recommendations to cross‑functional teams.
• Proven track record of meeting project timelines and working within budget constraints.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with clients, vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders.

Work Environment

The Controls Engineer works in a professional engineering environment that combines office‑based design and documentation with periodic field work at industrial facilities. Typical work involves using engineering and design tools to create control panel layouts, I/O wiring diagrams, network diagrams, and electrical schematics, as well as programming PLCs and HMIs using Rockwell / Allen‑Bradley platforms and FactoryTalk SE/ME. The role requires regular use of Microsoft Office applications for reporting, coordination, and communication. Field activities may include visiting job sites, collaborating with contractors and vendors, and supporting system commissioning and start‑up under real operating conditions. The position emphasizes collaboration with multi‑discipline engineering teams and project stakeholders in a structured, project‑driven environment focused on safety, reliability, and high‑quality technical delivery.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Wausau, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

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.

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage options for employees. Retirement & Financial: 401(k) retirement plan and profit sharing. Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO). Insurance Protection: Life insurance and disability insurance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Wausau, WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 3, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Wausau,WI.

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 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.