Controls Systems Engineer

Actalent; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 54,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

HSA

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Systems Engineer for a full-time, traveling role based in Cleveland, OH. You will commission, validate, and optimize automation and building controls across project sites, delivering state-of-the-art solutions to improve efficiency and quality.

The position requires PLC programming and HMI expertise, plus hands-on control-system experience. Expect 3–6 month project rotations, with competitive hourly pay and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in PLC programming and configuration for industrial or building automation applications.
• Hands-on experience with control systems engineering, including commissioning and validation of automation systems.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues related to control and automation equipment.
• Ability to work with HMIs for monitoring and control of building or process systems.
• Background in building automation systems, including configuration and support of controllers.
• Experience with communication protocols such as BACnet and Modbus for integration of building and process equipment.
• Capability to work effectively in a team environment with engineers and client stakeholders.
• Flexible schedule and willingness to travel and work on project-based assignments.
• Adaptable and enthusiastic attitude toward learning new technologies and industries.
• Ability to follow and execute detailed commissioning and validation protocols.
• Commitment to safety, including proper use of PPE and adherence to site safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols for control and building automation systems.
• Perform thorough testing, on-site commissioning, and qualification of control systems to ensure proper functionality and compliance.
• Troubleshoot and remediate commissioning and validation non-conformances, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate in a team environment with internal engineers and client teams to design, implement, and support advanced control systems.
• Define and implement programmable logic controller (PLC) configurations to meet project specifications and operational requirements.
• Program, configure, and support human-machine interfaces (HMIs) for monitoring and control of building and process systems.
• Apply mechanical and electrical knowledge to support installation, integration, and maintenance of control equipment and related infrastructure.
• Work with building automation technologies, including controllers and communication protocols, to integrate systems such as fan walls and chillers.
• Support controls staff augmentation efforts by providing hands-on engineering support over the full project duration.
• Maintain accurate documentation of commissioning activities, validation results, and system configurations.
• Communicate clearly with project teams regarding progress, issues, and recommended improvements.
• Adhere to all site safety requirements, including proper use of PPE and equipment certifications.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI configuration

Troubleshooting

Building automation

BACnet

Modbus

Team collaboration

Willing to travel

Education

Engineering degree in mechanical, systems, automation, or electrical engineering

Tools

Distech controllers

BACnet

Modbus

Job description

Job Title: Controls Systems Engineer

Job Description

This full-time Controls Systems Engineer role is a traveling, project-to-project position focused on commissioning, validating, and optimizing automation and building control systems for process manufacturing environments. You will typically spend 3–6 months at each project location, working closely with internal engineering teams and client stakeholders to deliver state‑of‑the-art control solutions that improve efficiency, product quality, and overall profitability.

Responsibilities

• Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols for control and building automation systems.
• Perform thorough testing, on‑site commissioning, and qualification of control systems to ensure proper functionality and compliance.
• Troubleshoot and remediate commissioning and validation non‑conformances, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Collaborate in a team environment with internal engineers and client teams to design, implement, and support advanced control systems.
• Define and implement programmable logic controller (PLC) configurations to meet project specifications and operational requirements.
• Program, configure, and support human‑machine interfaces (HMIs) for monitoring and control of building and process systems.
• Apply mechanical and electrical knowledge to support installation, integration, and maintenance of control equipment and related infrastructure.
• Work with building automation technologies, including controllers and communication protocols, to integrate systems such as fan walls and chillers.
• Support controls staff augmentation efforts by providing hands‑on engineering support over the full project duration.
• Maintain accurate documentation of commissioning activities, validation results, and system configurations.
• Communicate clearly with project teams regarding progress, issues, and recommended improvements.
• Adhere to all site safety requirements, including proper use of PPE and equipment certifications.

Essential Skills

• Experience in PLC programming and configuration for industrial or building automation applications.
• Hands‑on experience with control systems engineering, including commissioning and validation of automation systems.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues related to control and automation equipment.
• Ability to work with HMIs for monitoring and control of building or process systems.
• Background in building automation systems, including configuration and support of controllers.
• Experience with communication protocols such as BACnet and Modbus for integration of building and process equipment.
• Capability to work effectively in a team environment with engineers and client stakeholders.
• Flexible schedule and willingness to travel and work on project‑based assignments.
• Adaptable and enthusiastic attitude toward learning new technologies and industries.
• Ability to follow and execute detailed commissioning and validation protocols.
• Commitment to safety, including proper use of PPE and adherence to site safety standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering degree in mechanical, systems, automation, or electrical engineering, or equivalent hands‑on experience in controls or automation.
• Experience with Distech controllers in building automation environments.
• Familiarity with fan wall systems and their integration into building controls.
• Experience working with chillers and associated control strategies.
• Scissor Lift Certification to support work at elevated locations within facilities.
• Interest in leadership opportunities and willingness to take on increased responsibility over time.
• Comfort working a flexible schedule that may include extended shifts based on project needs.

Work Environment

This is a full‑time traveling role where you move from project to project, typically spending 3–6 months at each location. The position involves working on‑site in industrial and building automation environments, supporting controls staff augmentation for projects of approximately 8 months in duration. You will work with PLCs, HMIs, building automation systems, Distech controllers, fan walls, chillers, and communication protocols such as BACnet and Modbus. The schedule commonly consists of 6 ten‑hour shifts per week, or 5 ten‑hour shifts depending on project requirements. The role is highly hands‑on and offers exposure to different industries, continuous learning, and practical training, along with opportunities for growth and leadership. Safety is a key focus, and proper PPE is required, including boots, gloves rated A5 or above, and safety glasses. A scissor lift certification is needed for certain tasks, and you will use standard safety gear such as a hard hat and high‑visibility vest as part of the site dress code. The work environment emphasizes professional development, travel, and the chance to work on state‑of‑the‑art control systems while receiving competitive per diem and experiencing a variety of facilities and technologies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cleveland, OH.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $39.00 - $50.00/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)
• Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Cleveland,OH.
• Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 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.