Controls Systems Engineer

Actalent; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 111,751,000 - 143,270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax

Life Insurance

Short/Long-term Disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent, a global engineering services leader, seeks a Control Systems Engineer for on-site assignments across client facilities. The role emphasizes commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting of PLC/HMI-based control systems within process manufacturing environments.

You will travel between projects (3–6 months each), collaborating with internal teams and clients to deliver optimized automation solutions while adhering to safety and PPE requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience with PLC programming and configuration for industrial or building automation systems.
• Hands-on experience with automation and control systems, including commissioning and troubleshooting.
• Ability to define, implement, and test PLC-based control strategies.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting control system issues, including PLC and HMI-related problems.
• Experience with building automation or process manufacturing control systems.
• Willingness to travel and work on-site for extended periods (typically 3–6 months per project).
• Team player with internal engineers and client representatives.
• Strong problem-solving and attention to detail in commissioning and validation.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule (6 days x 10 hours or 5 days x 10 hours).
• Commitment to safety protocols and PPE usage.

Responsibilities

• Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols for control systems in process manufacturing environments.
• Troubleshoot and remediate commissioning and validation non-conformances to ensure systems meet performance and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with internal engineers and client teams to design and deliver state-of-the-art control systems that improve efficiency, product quality, and profitability.
• Define and implement PLC configurations to meet project specifications and operational needs.
• Develop, modify, and test PLC programs to support automation, process control, and building automation systems.
• Perform testing, on-site commissioning, and qualification of control systems to verify proper operation and integration.
• Diagnose and resolve control system issues, including PLC, HMI, and automation-related troubleshooting.
• Support multiple projects with extended stays on client sites (3–6 months per location).
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders about project status, technical issues, and proposed solutions.
• Follow safety procedures and use required PPE gear on-site.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Building automation

Automation testing

PLC/HMI configurations

Team collaboration

On-site execution

Safety compliance

Flexibility to travel

Problem-solving

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Industrial automation tools

Job description

Job Title: Control Systems EngineerJob Description

This full‑time Control Systems Engineer role involves traveling from project to project, typically spending 3 to 6 months at each location. You will commission and validate automation systems, configure and test PLC‑based control solutions, and support on‑site qualification activities. Working closely with internal engineering teams and clients, you will help deliver advanced control systems that improve efficiency, product quality, and profitability in process manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols for control systems in process manufacturing environments.
• Troubleshoot and remediate commissioning and validation non‑conformances to ensure systems meet performance and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with internal engineers and client teams to design and deliver state‑of‑the‑art control systems that improve efficiency, product quality, and profitability.
• Define and implement programmable logic controller (PLC) configurations to meet project specifications and operational needs.
• Develop, modify, and test PLC programs to support automation, process control, and building automation systems.
• Perform testing, on‑site commissioning, and qualification of control systems to verify proper operation and integration.
• Diagnose and resolve control system issues, including PLC, HMI, and automation‑related troubleshooting.
• Support multiple projects that require extended stays on client sites, typically 3 to 6 months per location.
• Communicate clearly with stakeholders about project status, technical issues, and proposed solutions.
• Follow safety procedures and use required PPE gear while working on‑site.

Essential Skills

• Experience with PLC programming and configuration for industrial or building automation systems.
• Hands‑on experience with automation and control systems, including commissioning and troubleshooting.
• Ability to define, implement, and test PLC‑based control strategies.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting control system issues, including PLC and HMI‑related problems.
• Experience with building automation or process manufacturing control systems.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work on‑site for extended periods (typically 3 to 6 months per project).
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with internal engineers and client representatives.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail in commissioning and validation activities.
• Capability to work a flexible schedule, including extended shifts such as 6 days at 10 hours or 5 days at 10 hours per week.
• Commitment to following safety protocols and using PPE gear as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering degree in mechanical, systems, automation, or electrical engineering, or equivalent hands‑on experience in control systems.
• Adaptable and enthusiastic attitude toward learning new technologies and industries.
• Interest in working across different industries and gaining broad exposure to various automation environments.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and clients.
• Motivation to grow professionally in a role that offers travel, per diem opportunities, and diverse project experience.

Work Environment

This role is primarily on‑site at client facilities and involves regular travel to different project locations. Assignments typically last 3 to 6 months per site, providing exposure to a variety of industries and process manufacturing environments. You will work with PLCs, HMIs, and building automation and control systems, performing hands‑on commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting. The schedule commonly follows extended shifts, such as 6 days of 10‑hour shifts or 5 days of 10‑hour shifts per week, depending on project needs. The position requires the use of PPE gear and adherence to site safety protocols. The work environment emphasizes professional growth, travel opportunities, per diem support while on assignment, and collaboration with experienced engineering teams.

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 Aug 31, 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.