Controls Engineer - Traveling

Actalent; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 48,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Contracts Controls Engineer in Dallas, TX, to commission and troubleshoot PLCs on material handling systems. You will work as part of a cross-disciplinary team to deliver milestones on time and within budget, applying customer specs and Vanderlande standards to develop robust controls software.

The role requires expert ladder logic skills and hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley hardware. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities are essential.

Qualifications

• Expert level in ladder logic and Allen-Bradley Studio 5000.
• Expert level understanding of installation, programming, and providing technical support of controls hardware and software.

Responsibilities

• Write, debug, and test PLC code from customer specifications.
• Use Vanderlande drawings to guide PLC development and tests.

Skills

Ladder logic

Studio 5000

Electrical controls

Industrial networks

Troubleshooting

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Autonomy

Tools

Siemens TIA Portal

SQL

Visual Basic

C

C++

C#

Job description

Description

Controls Engineer These controls engineers will be responsible for the PLC commissioning and troubleshooting on all types of material handling systems. They will be able to independently contribute as part of a team of other controls engineers and cross discipline contributors to deliver tangible results for the successful completion of project milestones. Ensuring on time / on budget completion of project deliverables. They will have a multi-disciplined understanding of the material handling industry and be able to solve complex and abstract problems.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply customer requirements and specifications to write, debug, and test PLC code independently.
• Ability to use Vanderlande engineering drawings to write, debug, and test PLC code independently.
• Utilize Vanderlande established AOI libraries and PLC coding standards to write, debug, and test PLC code independently.
• Follow Vanderlande documented ways of working.
• Document progress of assigned tasks.
• Write detailed design documents.
• Write test plans (Integrated System, Area, Zone, Section level)
• Monitor internal quality of controls deliverables to ensure high first pass yield.
• Perform quality checks and provide documentation of completion and status.
• Preparation and review of daily and weekly progress reports.
• Interface and coordination with internal or external stake holders to solve issues and provide documentation of resolution to project lead.
• Independent contributor in the execution of complex, large, and unique projects.
• Ensure the quality and timeliness of assigned Controls Project Engineering deliverables.

Required Qualification

• Expert level in ladder logic, Allen-Bradley Systems; Studio 5000
• Expert level understanding of installation, programming, and providing technical support of Controls hardware and software.
• Strong understanding of Electrical controls hardware design, communication networks and 480 VAC / 120VAC / 24VDC power distribution.
• Experience in implementation of material handling systems.
• Logical mentality, skilled in understanding and designing Engineering Science: Logic & Programming
• Possess a strong ability to solve problems and research solutions.
• Must be able to communicate effectively both verbal and written.
• Ability to work in a team and autonomous situations.
• Willingness to accept responsibility for project completion.
• Must be able to properly prioritize work/activities.
• Knowledge of computer systems and Windows (personal computers).
• Ability to understand and interpret Electrical Schematics.
• Solid understanding of networking principles and computer hardware setup.
• Knowledge of project scheduling.
• Strong understanding of machine and system safety standards and design considerations.
• Willingness to learn.
• Proactive
• Ownership culture

Desired Qualifications

• Expert level in ladder logic, Siemens Systems; TIA-Portal
• Ability to read and write structured text.
• Capable of programming in SQL, Visual Basic, C, C++, C#, or equivalent
• Understanding of Mechanical design as related to material handling industry.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of working 10 hours standing / sitting / walking / climbing stairs
• Must be comfortable working in an office setting and a factory / construction environment.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Controls Engineer These controls engineers will be responsible for the PLC commissioning and troubleshooting on all types of material handling systems. They will be able to independently contribute as part of a team of other controls engineers and cross discipline contributors to deliver tangible results for the successful completion of project milestones. Ensuring on time / on budget completion of project deliverables. They will have a multi-disciplined understanding of the material handling industry and be able to solve complex and abstract problems.

Key Responsibilities: -Apply customer requirements and specifications to write, debug, and test PLC code independently. -Ability to use Vanderlande engineering drawings to write, debug, and test PLC code independently. -Utilize Vanderlande established AOI libraries and PLC coding standards to write, debug, and test PLC code independently. -Follow Vanderlande documented ways of working. -Document progress of assigned tasks. -Write detailed design documents. -Write test plans (Integrated System, Area, Zone, Section level) -Monitor internal quality of controls deliverables to ensure high first pass yield. -Perform quality checks and provide documentation of completion and status. -Preparation and review of daily and weekly progress reports. -Interface and coordination with internal or external stake holders to solve issues and provide documentation of resolution to project lead. -Independent contributor in the execution of complex, large, and unique projects. -Ensure the quality and timeliness of assigned Controls Project Engineering deliverables. Required Qualification: -Expert level in ladder logic, Allen-Bradley Systems; Studio 5000 -Expert level understanding of installation, programming, and providing technical support of Controls hardware and software. -Strong understanding of Electrical controls hardware design, communication networks and 480 VAC / 120V

Experience Level

Expert Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Dallas, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $59.00/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 Dallas, TX.

Application Deadline

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

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Dallas,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 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.