Onsite Controls Engineer — PLC & Motion Control Pro

Actalent; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Saint Paul, MN seeks a Controls Engineer to design and implement cost-effective control systems for custom machinery. You will perform hardware design, PLC/HMI programming, safety analysis, and create technical documentation while collaborating with project teams and shop personnel.

The role includes 10–20% travel for installation, commissioning, and training, with a focus on achieving high performance and reliability of automated equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or an equivalent credential with relevant experience.
• Extensive PLC programming experience on diverse platforms.
• Hands-on Rockwell Automation/Allen-Bradley PLCs experience.
• Proficient PLC/HMI programming for Allen‑Bradley platforms.
• Familiarity with IEC 61131‑3 languages (Ladder, Structured Text, etc.).
• Experience with servo-based motion control and electrical design.

Responsibilities

• Develop cost-effective control systems for custom machinery, including hardware design, PLC/HMI programming, safety analysis, and documentation.
• Identify technical challenges early and craft practical solutions.
• Coordinate with shop personnel during electrical assembly for accurate build-out.
• Participate in control system debugging, troubleshooting, and refinement.
• Support on-site installation and commissioning at customer facilities.
• Provide customer training on operation, safety, and maintenance.
• Collaborate with project managers and engineers across cross-functional teams.
• Stay current with automation technologies and industry standards.

Skills

PLC programming

Allen‑Bradley PLCs

HMI programming

Servo motion control

Electrical design

Industrial networking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Two-year post-high school credential + 5+ years experience

Tools

Rockwell Automation

Job description

Actalent in Saint Paul, MN seeks a Controls Engineer to design and implement cost-effective control systems for custom machinery. You will perform hardware design, PLC/HMI programming, safety analysis, and create technical documentation while collaborating with project teams and shop personnel.

The role includes 10–20% travel for installation, commissioning, and training, with a focus on achieving high performance and reliability of automated equipment.