Electrical Controls Design Engineer

Actalent; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Job summary

Actalent in Arlington, TX is seeking an Electrical Controls Design Engineer to design and implement industrial control systems from concept through startup. You’ll work with customers, sales teams and internal stakeholders to translate requirements into detailed design documentation, program controls, and support commissioning activities.

This role emphasizes hands-on hardware and software development, including AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical schematic and panel design, BOMs, PLC programming,

Qualifications

• Experience designing industrial control systems from concept through commissioning/startup.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical for electrical schematics, panel layouts, and system design.
• Controls design experience including hardware selection, panel design, and BOM development.
• Experience developing Functional Design Specifications (FDS).
• PLC programming experience, preferably with Allen-Bradley/RSLogix 5000.
• HMI development experience, preferably with FactoryTalk View.
• Knowledge of electrical design principles, codes, and standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites for startup and commissioning support.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with sales teams and customers to develop control system solutions and prepare technical proposals based on project requirements.
• Design control system hardware, control panels, and electrical power systems using AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical.
• Develop BOMs, select hardware components, and obtain fabrication quotes for control panels.
• Create Functional Design Specifications (FDS) outlining system functionality and operational requirements.
• Program PLCs and develop HMI/MMI applications based on project specifications.
• Test and verify hardware and software functionality prior to shipment.
• Prepare and execute FAT and SAT, document results, and resolve issues.
• Support system checkout, commissioning, and startup activities at customer sites as needed.
• Develop project schedules and manage key design, software, and hardware milestones.
• Participate in customer and internal technical meetings to clarify requirements and ensure successful project execution.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable electrical codes, standards, and industry best practices.
• Prepare project documentation, reports, and communications using Microsoft Office tools.

Skills

Control systems design

PLC programming

HMI development

Electrical design principles

Technical communication

MS Office proficiency

Travel readiness

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

AutoCAD Electrical

FactoryTalk View

Job description

Electrical Controls Design Engineer

This role is responsible for the design and implementation of industrial control systems from concept through startup. The engineer will work closely with customers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders to develop system requirements, create detailed design documentation, program control systems, and support commissioning activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with sales teams and customers to develop control system solutions and prepare technical proposals based on project requirements.

• Design control system hardware, control panels, and electrical power systems using AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical.

• Develop bills of materials (BOMs), select hardware components, and obtain fabrication quotes for control panels.

• Create Functional Design Specifications (FDS) outlining system functionality and operational requirements.

• Program PLCs and develop HMI/MMI applications based on project specifications.

• Test and verify hardware and software functionality prior to shipment.

• Prepare and execute Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), document results, and resolve issues.

• Support system checkout, commissioning, and startup activities at customer sites as needed.

• Develop project schedules and manage key design, software, and hardware milestones.

• Participate in customer and internal technical meetings to clarify requirements and ensure successful project execution.

• Ensure designs comply with applicable electrical codes, standards, and industry best practices.

• Prepare project documentation, reports, and communications using Microsoft Office tools.

Required Qualifications

• Experience designing industrial control systems from concept through commissioning/startup.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical for electrical schematics, panel layouts, and system design.

• Controls design experience including hardware selection, panel design, and BOM development.

• Experience developing Functional Design Specifications (FDS).

• PLC programming experience, preferably with Allen-Bradley/RSLogix 5000.

• HMI development experience, preferably with FactoryTalk View.

• Knowledge of electrical design principles, codes, and standards.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

• Willingness to travel to customer sites for startup and commissioning support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or experience in Electrical Engineering or a related field.

• Experience with Allen-Bradley control systems.

• FAT/SAT testing experience.

• Project scheduling and timeline management experience.

• Ability to work effectively in both office and field environments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Arlington, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/hr.

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 Arlington,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 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.