Controls Technician - PLC Programmer

Actalent; Ackerman (MS); On-site; USD 44,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and R

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Contracts Specialist? We present a Controls Specialist role based in Ackerman, MS, focusing on supporting projects, ensuring safety, and driving efficient electrical controls engineering.

The position involves field checks, cost estimation, and startup support, with experience in commissioning (0-5 years) and platforms like Ovation, Foxboro, ABB. This onsite role requires coordination with plant staff, vendors, and design engineers.

Qualifications

• PLC programming and instrumentation proficiency.
• Strong knowledge in controls engineering and electrical systems.
• Experience in commissioning with 0-5 years in a related field.

Responsibilities

• Support and transition between multiple projects seamlessly.
• Check cables and wiring in the field to ensure safety and compliance.
• Perform and assist in site walk downs to assess project needs.
• Prepare cost estimates for various projects and sub-disciplines.
• Support start-up activities to ensure smooth project execution.
• Prepare layouts and conceptual designs for project planning.

Skills

PLC programming

Controls engineering

Electrical systems

Commissioning experience

Tools

Ovation

Foxboro

ABB

Job description

Job Title: Controls Specialist

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Controls Specialist to join our team, where you will play a critical role in supporting and transitioning between multiple projects. Your expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the accuracy and efficiency of electrical systems and controls engineering.

Responsibilities

• Support and transition between multiple projects seamlessly.
• Check cables and wiring in the field to ensure safety and compliance.
• Perform and assist in site walk downs to assess project needs.
• Prepare cost estimates for various projects and sub-disciplines.
• Support start-up activities to ensure smooth project execution.
• Prepare layouts and conceptual designs for project planning.

Essential Skills

• PLC programming and instrumentation proficiency.
• Strong knowledge in controls engineering and electrical systems.
• Experience in commissioning with 0-5 years in a related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Proficiency in computer-based platforms.
• Solid electrical knowledge and experience with configuration/graphic skills in platforms such as Ovation, Foxboro, ABB, or PLC.
• Experience with field support and control narrative markup.
• Ability to check cables and wiring in the field accurately.
• Experience with cost estimating in various sub-disciplines.
• Competence in developing IO lists.
• Capability to build effective relationships with plant staff, design engineering staff, and vendors.

Work Environment

The position is based in Ackerman MS. The work environment involves collaboration with various teams, utilizing advanced technologies and platforms. The role requires adaptability and a commitment to quality and safety standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Ackerman, MS.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $45.00/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 Ackerman,MS.

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.