Controls Engineer- Automation

Actalent; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 76,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance (Voluntary)

Job summary

Actalent, based in Austin, TX, is seeking an Electrical Controls Engineer to lead electrical architecture and hardware integration for a large-scale robotic construction system. You will guide design standards, mentor engineers, and provide expertise across power distribution, motion control, and sensor systems.

The role requires hands-on design of control panels, wiring, and I/O cabinets, with NEC/UL compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 8+ years of experience in electrical design.
• Experience designing control panels, wiring systems, remote I/O cabinets, and cable harnesses.
• Familiar with UL and NFPA standards.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in fast-paced engineering teams.
• Self-manage, prioritize, and drive design work independently.
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical hardware design for multi-story robotic systems and integrate components with the BuildOS platform.
• Oversee electrical integration of automated mixing, pumping, and extrusion hardware with optimized sensor feedback loops.
• Drive R&D for robotic systems in extreme environments and select suitable components.
• Implement safety-rated systems compliant with NEC standards for outdoor and temporary sites.
• Specify and integrate high-torque motors for precise robotic movement.
• Design electrical systems from prototype to commercialization with compliance to standards.
• Architect hardware for industrial controllers and troubleshoot control logic.
• Lead and train junior engineers and technicians in electrical troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Perform root-cause analysis on field robots in rugged environments.
• Support Design for Manufacturing initiatives and align with company objectives.

Skills

Electrical design

Control panels

Industrial wiring

Remote I/O cabinets

Cable harnesses

Cross-functional teamwork

Self-management

Fundamentals in electrical engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

SolidWorks Electrical

Job description

Electrical Controls Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Electrical Control Engineer to lead the electrical architecture and hardware integration for a large-scale robotic construction system. This system delivers proprietary printing technology to Serial Production. In this role, you will apply advanced electrical engineering expertise to tackle complex hardware and integration challenges across power distribution, high-precision motion control, and material delivery systems. You will guide the development of new design standards, mentor junior engineers and technicians, and provide expertise to cross-functional teams on complex matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical hardware design for multi-story robotic systems, integrating various components with the central BuildOS control platform.
• Oversee the electrical integration of automated mixing, pumping, and extrusion hardware, optimizing sensor feedback loops for real-time monitoring.
• Drive R&D for robotic systems designed for extreme environments, selecting components suitable for lunar or Martian applications.
• Implement safety-rated systems for large, open-workspace robots, ensuring compliance with NEC standards for outdoor and temporary construction sites.
• Specify and integrate high-torque servo and stepper motors for precise movement of robotic structures.
• Design and advance electrical systems from prototype to commercialization, ensuring compliance with relevant standards.
• Architect hardware for industrial controllers, with an understanding of control logic to troubleshoot systems.
• Lead and review the work of junior engineers and technicians, developing internal training for electrical troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Perform root-cause analysis on field-deployed robots, diagnosing complex issues in rugged environments.
• Serve as the specifying engineer for Design for Manufacturing initiatives, supporting efficient manufacturing practices.
• Align technical contributions with company-wide Objectives and Key Results, driving strategic goals.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering with 8+ years of experience in electrical design, preferably in industrial, automation, controls, R&D, or prototype environments.
• Proficiency in electrical design and engineering, including control panel design and solid understanding of industrial standards such as UL and NFPA.
• Hands‑on experience designing control panels, industrial wiring systems, remote I/O cabinets, and cable harnesses.
• Experience working cross‑functionally in fast‑paced engineering teams.
• Ability to self‑manage, prioritize, and drive design work independently.
• Strong understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical and SolidWorks Electrical.
• Knowledge of conceptual PLC and motion control for industrial controllers.
• Understanding of process control, networking, and routers.
• Familiarity with ribbon cable and micro‑connector systems is preferred.

Work Environment

This position operates in a fast‑paced startup/R&D setting, supporting cross‑functional mechanical and manufacturing teams. The work environment encourages innovation and collaboration, aligning with company‑wide strategic goals

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $75.00/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.

• 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 fully onsite position in Austin,TX.

Application Deadline

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

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.