Controls Specialist

Actalent; Ohio; On-site; USD 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Short and long‑term disability

HSA

Job summary

Actalent in Brookpark, OH seeks two entry‑level Automation & Controls Specialists for a six‑month project on Siemens‑controlled equipment. You will configure and deploy a monitoring system across plant assets to track performance drift and predict maintenance needs.

Responsibilities include modifying PLC logic with STEP 7, configuring data interfaces, and setting up a cloud‑based monitoring portal. Proficiency in IEC 61131‑3, PROFINET, and TIA Portal is required, with hands‑on automotive

Qualifications

• Up to two years of relevant experience in automation or controls.
• Proficiency with Siemens controllers (S7-1500/1200/300/400).
• Experience using Siemens TIA Portal and STEP 7 for PLC logic modification.
• Ability to work with PLC programming and automation systems in industrial/automotive environments.
• Proficiency in IEC 61131‑3 standards (LD, FBD, ST).
• Familiarity with PROFINET, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP protocols.
• Ability to read electrical schematics, control drawings, and sequences of operation.
• Clear and accurate system documentation for controls and monitoring configurations.
• Strong written and verbal communication to collaborate with cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Modify equipment with Siemens controls to support enhanced monitoring and data collection.
• Update PLC logic using STEP 7, focusing on modification of existing logic.
• Configure interface modules to transmit data to the monitoring portal.
• Set up monitoring portal to visualize and track equipment performance.
• Ensure PLC data transfers to cloud systems to trigger maintenance work orders.
• Work in an automotive manufacturing environment applying automation best practices.
• Maintain up-to-date system documentation for controls and monitoring configurations.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations to understand behavior and monitoring needs.

Skills

Siemens controllers (S7-1500/1200/300/

TIA Portal

STEP 7

IEC 61131-3 (LD, FBD, ST)

PROFINET / OPC UA / EtherNet/IP

Reading electrical schematics

Cross-functional communication

Education

Associates or Bachelors in Electrical Engineering / Controls / Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens STEP 7

Siemens TIA Portal

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking two entry‑level Automation & Controls Specialists to support an accelerated project focused on Siemens‑controlled equipment at a manufacturing plant. In this role, you configure and deploy a new monitoring system across plant assets and capital equipment to better track performance drift and anticipate maintenance needs. The project will span approximately six months and initially cover about 35% of the plants equipment, with a current focus exclusively on Siemens systems.

Job Title

Controls Specialist

Responsibilities

• Modify equipment that uses Siemens controls to support enhanced monitoring and data collection.
• Update and adjust PLC logic using Siemens STEP 7, focusing on modifying and transferring existing logic rather than programming systems from scratch.
• Configure interface modules to reliably transmit equipment data to the monitoring portal.
• Set up and fine‑tune the monitoring portal to ensure accurate visualization and tracking of equipment performance.
• Ensure PLC data is transferred to cloud‑based systems to trigger alerts and anticipated work orders for maintenance and repairs.
• Work within an automotive manufacturing environment to apply automation and controls best practices to production equipment.
• Maintain accurate system documentation, including updates to control logic, configurations, and monitoring settings.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to understand equipment behavior, performance drift, and monitoring requirements.

Essential Skills

• Up to two years of relevant experience in automation or controls, including co‑op or internship experience.
• Proficiency with Siemens controllers, including S7-1500, S7-1200, S7-300, and S7-400.
• Experience using Siemens TIA Portal and Siemens STEP 7 for PLC logic modification and transfer.
• Ability to work with PLC programming and automation systems in an industrial or automotive environment.
• Proficiency in writing code structured around IEC 61131‑3 standards, with an emphasis on Ladder Logic (LD), Function Block Diagrams (FBD), and Structured Text (ST).
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as PROFINET, OPC UA, and Ethernet/IP.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control drawings, and sequences of operation.
• Capability to maintain clear and accurate system documentation for controls and monitoring configurations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field preferred, or equivalent direct work experience.
• Experience working with Siemens automation platforms in a manufacturing or automotive setting.
• Background in modifying and transferring PLC logic rather than developing programs entirely from scratch.
• Attention to detail and a systematic approach to configuring monitoring systems and data interfaces.
• Interest in equipment performance monitoring, predictive maintenance, and data‑driven process improvement.

Work Environment

This role is based on‑site in a manufacturing plant environment, working directly with production equipment and Siemens‑controlled systems. You will spend significant time on the plant floor interacting with assets and capital equipment while configuring PLCs, interface modules, and monitoring portals. The work involves collaboration with engineering and operations teams in a fast‑paced automotive setting, using industrial automation tools such as Siemens TIA Portal and STEP 7. Expect a hands‑on environment where safety procedures are followed closely and clear communication is essential.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Brookpark, OH.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $37.00/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)

Application Deadline

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

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Brookpark,OH.

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.