Controls Engineer (Expert)

Actalent; Abilene (TX); On-site; USD 137,540,000 - 165,312,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental & Vision

Retirement Plan

PTO & Holidays

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission automated control systems in a high-volume automotive glass facility. You will work with Texas Instruments and Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms, motion control, HMIs, and vision systems on automated lines.

The role involves building control panels, developing systems from concept to implementation, and optimizing performance while ensuring safety and reliability across production lines.

Qualifications

• Experience designing automated systems from the ground up, including control panel design and system architecture.
• 5+ years with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs (PLC-5, RSLogix 500, Studio 5000).
• Experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley motion control systems, including AC and DC drives.
• Experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley HMI platforms, particularly FactoryTalk View.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting in an industrial automation environment.
• Ability to read and create electrical diagrams and schematics.
• Strong understanding of controls engineering principles and industrial automation practices.
• Safety rules and regulations compliance in production settings.
• Experience with vision systems such as Keyence and Cognex.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee the build of control panels for new projects, meeting safety and quality requirements.
• Create new control systems from concept through implementation, including hardware selection and documentation.
• Program and design automated equipment to support existing and new manufacturing initiatives.
• Integrate and commission robotics, furnaces, ovens, presses, conveyors, and vision systems.
• Develop, read, and update electrical diagrams and schematics for troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, motion control systems, and related components.
• Configure and optimize motion control systems, including AC/DC drives.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering for smooth startup and continuous improvement.
• Ensure safety rules and internal standards are followed.

Skills

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs (PLC-5, RS

Motion control systems (AC/DC drives)

FactoryTalk View HMIs

PLC programming & troubleshooting

Electrical diagrams & schematics

Safety compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Automation design & controls

Education

Bachelors degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Keyence & Cognex vision systems

ABB/Fanuc robotics

Texas Instruments PLCs

Job description

Job Title: Controls Engineer

This Controls Engineer role focuses on designing, programming, and commissioning automated control systems within a high-volume automotive glass manufacturing facility. The position involves developing new control panels and systems from the ground up, integrating and supporting a wide range of robotics and process equipment, and ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation of production lines. You will work primarily with Texas Instruments and Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC platforms, motion control systems, HMIs, and vision systems in a highly automated factory environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee the build of control panels required for new projects, ensuring they meet functional, safety, and quality requirements.
• Create new control systems from concept through implementation, including hardware selection, control strategy, and documentation.
• Program and design automated equipment to support existing production lines and new manufacturing initiatives.
• Integrate and commission new and legacy equipment, including robotics, furnaces, ovens, presses, cutting lines, conveyor systems, and vision systems.
• Develop, read, and update electrical diagrams and schematics to support control system design, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, motion control systems, and related automation components to quickly identify and resolve issues.
• Configure, test, and optimize motion control systems, including AC/DC drives, to achieve desired performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to ensure smooth startup, operation, and continuous improvement of automated systems.
• Ensure all control system work complies with applicable safety rules, regulations, and internal standards.
• Support and improve the performance of vision systems and robotics, including ABB and Fanuc robots, to maintain product quality and throughput.
• Document programs, changes, and configurations to maintain accurate records for future support and modifications.
• Communicate effectively with other shifts and teams to coordinate work, share information, and support ongoing operations.

Essential Skills

• Experience designing automated systems from the ground up, including control panel design and system architecture.
• 5+ years of experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley PLCs (including PLC-5, RSLogix 500, and Studio 5000).
• Experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley motion control systems, including AC and DC drives.
• Experience with Rockwell / Allen-Bradley HMI platforms, particularly FactoryTalk View.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting in an industrial automation environment.
• Hands-on experience with automation design and controls system design.
• Ability to read and create electrical diagrams and schematics.
• Strong understanding of controls engineering principles and industrial automation practices.
• Ability to work in compliance with all applicable safety rules and regulations.
• Experience working with HMIs, motion control, AC drives, and related control hardware in a production setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• AutoCAD Electrical experience for creating and modifying electrical drawings.
• Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience with vision systems such as Keyence and Cognex.
• Familiarity with robotics, particularly ABB and Fanuc robots.
• Exposure to industrial equipment such as furnaces, ovens, presses, cutting lines, and conveyor systems.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and multiple shifts.
• Ability to support continuous improvement initiatives within an automated manufacturing environment.

Work Environment

This role is based in a factory environment within an automotive glass manufacturing facility that operates highly automated production lines. The site uses a variety of equipment, including ABB and Fanuc robots, Glasstech furnaces, Casso Solar ovens, presses, Bando cutting lines, multiple conveyor systems, and Keyence/Cognex vision systems. The controls infrastructure is predominantly Texas Instruments PLCs with a significant portion of Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms, including motion control and FactoryTalk View HMI systems. The Controls Engineer will work on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, with negotiable but consistent hours. Occasional weekend work may be required to support production needs or project activities. The role involves regular interaction with other shifts, including second shift, to coordinate projects, troubleshoot issues, and ensure smooth handoffs. The position offers a stable schedule with minimal overtime and no travel, along with paid time off and holidays during the contract period.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $57.69/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 28, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Abilene,TX.

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 5​00. 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.