Embedded Controls Engineer

Actalent; United States; On-site; USD 145,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Wisconsin is seeking a senior Controls Engineer focused on model-based development, embedded controls, and power system control applications. You will design, simulate, implement, and validate embedded control software for complex electromechanical and power conversion systems.

The role emphasizes production-grade code, high-fidelity models, and performing validation across concept through production release, with opportunities for leadership and mentorship within a collaborative

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of relevant engineering experience.
• Experience developing embedded control software and control algorithms for industrial equipment or power systems.
• Strong experience with model-based development tools such as MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols including CAN, Modbus, or Ethernet/IP.
• Experience with control system simulation, validation, and testing.
• Experience supporting products through the full development lifecycle from concept through production release.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate embedded control software and advanced control algorithms for power and industrial systems.
• Create high-fidelity simulation models and apply model-based design methodologies throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Define control system requirements and develop control architectures for complex electromechanical systems.
• Develop, tune, and optimize closed-loop control algorithms for machine operation, power conversion, synchronization, and power management applications.
• Generate and integrate production-ready software from model-based development environments.
• Develop and support PLC and embedded control applications for reliable system operation.
• Design and execute validation activities including simulation, HIL, SIL, bench-level, and system-level testing.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams to optimize product performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Support product launches by ensuring designs meet functional, safety, cost, and performance requirements.
• Drive technical problem-solving efforts and support ongoing product improvements.
• Mentor team members and contribute to engineering best practices and development standards.

Skills

Model-Based Controls Engineering

Embedded Controls Engineering

Embedded Software Engineering

Power Electronics Controls

Real-Time Embedded Systems

Motor Control Engineering

Industrial Automation and PLC Controls

Advanced Systems Controls Engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink Development

CAN Modbus Ethernet/IP

HIL/SIL testing basics

Job description

We are seeking a Controls Engineer specializing in model-based development, embedded controls, and advanced power system control applications. This role will focus on the design, simulation, implementation, and validation of embedded control software for complex electromechanical and power conversion systems. The engineer will leverage model-based design tools to develop high-fidelity system models, generate production-ready code, and optimize control algorithms while supporting product development from concept through production release.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of relevant engineering experience
• Experience developing embedded control software and control algorithms for industrial equipment or power systems
• Strong experience with model-based development tools such as MATLAB/Simulink
• Experience with industrial communication protocols including CAN, Modbus, or Ethernet/IP
• Experience with control system simulation, validation, and testing
• Experience supporting products through the full development lifecycle from concept through production release
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in control algorithm development for power management, power conversion, machine control, or grid-interactive systems
• Experience with model-based design, automated verification, and production code generation workflows
• Strong background in closed-loop control design, tuning, stability analysis, and performance optimization
• Experience with medium-voltage power systems and controls
• Experience with Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SIL) testing
• Familiarity with protective relays, switchgear, and power distribution equipment
• Knowledge of industry standards such as IEEE, UL, and NFPA
• Experience providing technical leadership and mentoring engineers

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate embedded control software and advanced control algorithms for power and industrial systems
• Create high-fidelity simulation models and apply model-based design methodologies throughout the product development lifecycle
• Define control system requirements and develop control architectures for complex electromechanical systems
• Develop, tune, and optimize closed-loop control algorithms for machine operation, power conversion, synchronization, and power management applications
• Generate and integrate production-ready software from model-based development environments
• Develop and support PLC and embedded control applications for reliable system operation
• Design and execute validation activities including simulation, HIL, SIL, bench-level, and system-level testing
• Collaborate with manufacturing, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams to optimize product performance, reliability, and manufacturability
• Support product launches by ensuring designs meet functional, safety, cost, and performance requirements
• Drive technical problem-solving efforts and support ongoing product improvements
• Mentor team members and contribute to engineering best practices and development standards

Target Backgrounds

• Model-Based Controls Engineering
• Embedded Controls Engineering
• Embedded Software Engineering
• Power Electronics Controls
• MATLAB/Simulink Development
• Real-Time Embedded Systems
• Motor Control Engineering
• Generator, Inverter, or Power Conversion Controls
• Industrial Automation and PLC Controls
• Advanced Systems Controls Engineering

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Waukesha, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $145000.00 - $165000.00/yr.

BenefitsCompetitive compensation package.Medical, dental, and vision insurance.401(k) with company match.Paid time off and paid holidays.Tuition reimbursement and professional development assistance.Life and disability insurance.Employee assistance programs.Collaborative engineering environment with opportunities for career growth and leadership development.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Waukesha,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 16, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.