Controls Engineer III (Robotics Automation)

Actalent; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Onsite work in Spokane

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a highly skilled Controls Engineer for an onsite contract role in Spokane, WA. The candidate will design, program, and commission automated equipment, focusing on PLCs, motion control, and robotics integration within large-scale fulfillment operations.

Required: 5+ years in controls engineering, Codesys/Beckhoff PLC programming, and strong Structured Text; knowledge of EtherCAT/EtherNet/IP/Profinet/Profibus is a plus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in controls engineering.
• Experience programming PLCs in Codesys, Beckhoff, or similar environments.
• Strong Structured Text programming experience.
• Experience with IEC 61131-3 programming standards.
• Experience troubleshooting and commissioning automated systems.
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols such as EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, or Profibus.
• Experience supporting robotics or motion control applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain PLC applications using Codesys and IEC 61131-3.
• Create controls software using Structured Text.
• Support integration of robotics systems, servo drives, safety devices, barcode readers, and industrial sensors.
• Commission and troubleshoot complex automated equipment.
• Work with industrial communication networks including EtherCAT.
• Improve system performance, throughput, reliability, and scalability.
• Develop technical documentation and support deployment activities.
• Collaborate with robotics, software, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams.

Skills

Controls engineering

PLC programming

Structured Text

IEC 61131-3

Troubleshooting

Motion control

Team collaboration

Tools

Codesys

Beckhoff

EtherCAT

EtherNet/IP

Profinet

Profibus

Job description

Below are some details about the position:

• BENEFITS: YES
• PAY: $70-85 an hour depending on experience
• SCHEDULE & ENVIRONMENT: Onsite
• DURATION: 7 month contract with potential for extension/conversion

Overview:

Join a cutting-edge robotics engineering team responsible for developing and deploying advanced automation systems used in large-scale fulfillment operations.

We are seeking a Controls Engineer with experience designing, programming, and commissioning automated equipment. This role focuses on developing controls software for complex robotic workcells utilizing PLCs, industrial networks, motion control systems, and integrated robotics platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain PLC applications using Codesys and IEC 61131-3 programming languages.
• Create controls software using Structured Text.
• Support integration of robotics systems, servo drives, safety devices, barcode readers, and industrial sensors.
• Commission and troubleshoot complex automated equipment.
• Work with industrial communication networks including EtherCAT.
• Improve system performance, throughput, reliability, and scalability.
• Develop technical documentation and support deployment activities.
• Collaborate with robotics, software, mechanical, and electrical engineering teams.

MUST HAVES

• 5+ years of Controls Engineering experience.
• Experience programming PLCs in Codesys, Beckhoff, or similar environments.
• Strong Structured Text programming experience.
• Experience with IEC 61131-3 programming standards.
• Experience troubleshooting and commissioning automated systems.
• Knowledge of industrial networking protocols such as EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, Profinet, or Profibus.
• Experience supporting robotics or motion control applications.

NICE TO HAVES

• Beckhoff platform experience.
• Multi-axis motion control experience.
• Robotics workcell development.
• C, C++, Python, or Java exposure.
• AWS familiarity.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Spokane, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $85.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Spokane, WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Spokane,WA.

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.