Controls Systems Engineer

Actalent; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem arrangements

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Traveling Controls Systems Engineer for project-based assignments across client sites. You will lead automation commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting within process manufacturing environments, designing PLC configurations and supporting on-site installation and startup.

Expect frequent travel (3–6 months per site) and collaboration with engineering teams to deliver optimized control solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience with control systems engineering including automation commissioning and validation.
• Proficiency in defining and implementing PLC configurations.
• Hands-on experience with building automation and process manufacturing control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for mechanical and electrical control systems.
• Ability to use HMIs for monitoring and configuring systems.
• Willingness to travel frequently on project-to-project assignments (3–6 months per location).
• Collaborative work with engineers and client stakeholders.
• Adaptable mindset and eagerness to learn new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols for process control systems.
• Troubleshoot non-conformances to ensure reliable system performance.
• Collaborate with internal and client teams to design advanced control solutions.
• Define and implement PLC configurations to meet project requirements.
• Perform testing, on-site commissioning, and qualification of control systems.
• Support building automation initiatives and related control system projects.
• Travel to project locations; adapt to new facilities and equipment.
• Provide hands-on support during installation, startup, and optimization of components.
• Use HMIs to monitor, configure, and optimize system performance.
• Document commissioning and validation results clearly and thoroughly.

Skills

Control systems engineering

PLC configurations

Building automation

Troubleshooting

HMIs monitoring

Travel readiness

Team collaboration

Learning agility

Education

Engineering degree (mechanical, systems, automation, or electrical)

Equivalent hands-on controls experience

Job description

Job Title: Controls Systems Engineer

This full-time Controls Systems Engineer role is a traveling, project-to-project position where you spend approximately 3–6 months at each client site. You work closely with engineering teams and clients to deliver state-of-the-art control systems that enhance efficiency, product quality, and profitability in process manufacturing environments. The role focuses on automation commissioning, validation, troubleshooting, and on-site qualification of control systems.

Responsibilities

• Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols for process manufacturing control systems.
• Troubleshoot and remediate commissioning and validation non-conformances to ensure reliable system performance.
• Collaborate with internal engineers and client teams to design and deliver advanced control solutions that improve efficiency, product quality, and profitability.
• Define and implement programmable logic controller (PLC) configurations to meet project and process requirements.
• Perform testing, on-site commissioning, and qualification of control systems to verify proper operation and compliance with specifications.
• Work in a team environment to support building automation and related control system initiatives.
• Travel to various project locations and adapt to new facilities, processes, and equipment.
• Provide hands‑on support during installation, startup, and optimization of mechanical and electrical control components.
• Use human‑machine interfaces (HMIs) to monitor, configure, and optimize system performance.
• Document commissioning activities, validation results, and remediation actions in a clear and organized manner.

Essential Skills

• Experience with control systems engineering, including automation commissioning and validation.
• Proficiency in defining and implementing programmable logic controller (PLC) configurations.
• Hands‑on experience with building automation and process manufacturing control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in mechanical and electrical systems related to controls.
• Ability to work effectively with HMIs for system monitoring and configuration.
• Capability to travel frequently and work on project-to-project assignments for extended periods (typically 3–6 months per location).
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment with engineers and client stakeholders.
• Flexible schedule and willingness to work extended hours as required by project demands.
• Adaptable mindset and enthusiasm for learning new technologies, industries, and processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering degree in mechanical, systems, automation, or electrical engineering, or equivalent hands‑on experience in controls and automation.
• Interest in working across different industries and exposure to a variety of manufacturing environments.
• Strong communication skills to interact with cross‑functional teams and clients.
• Ability to take initiative and pursue leadership opportunities within project teams.
• Comfort with a traveling role that includes per diem arrangements and varying site locations.
• Motivation to grow professionally through hands‑on training and real‑world project experience.

Work Environment

This role is primarily on‑site at client facilities, with frequent travel to different project locations. You work in industrial and process manufacturing environments that require appropriate PPE gear and adherence to safety protocols. Typical schedules involve extended hours, such as 6 days per week at 10 hours per day (6x10s) or 5 days per week at 10 hours per day (5x10s), depending on project needs. The position offers exposure to diverse industries, hands‑on training, and opportunities for growth and leadership within a dynamic field‑based setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fort Wayne, IN.

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 Fort Wayne,IN. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 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.