PLC Controls Engineer

Actalent; Town of Texas (WI); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote engineering phase

Job summary

Actalent seeks a PLC Controls Engineer for HVAC/BMS, starting remote and transitioning to onsite in Haskell, TX. You will design, program, test, and commission PLC-based control systems for large-scale cooling and facility infrastructure.

The role requires strong troubleshooting, field support, and collaboration with project teams to meet startup timelines. The position is contract-based with a hybrid work model, offering upfront remote engineering followed by on-site deployment and ongoing

Qualifications

• This position requires hands-on PLC programming and controls engineering experience.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and Studio 5000 is essential.
• Familiarity with HVAC-focused control systems and commissioning activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop PLC programs using Studio 5000 for HVAC control systems.
• Design control logic for AHU/ATU, VAV, chillers, fans, and dampers.
• Translate operations sequences into maintainable PLC code.
• Integrate sensors, transmitters, and actuators into PLCs.
• Collaborate with project teams to align control strategies with design intent.
• Support onsite installation, commissioning, and startup in Haskell, TX.
• Conduct I/O checks and loop testing to verify wiring and operation.
• Debug PLC code during commissioning and tune system behavior.
• Perform system testing and tune HVAC control performance.
• Troubleshoot controls, instrumentation, and networks; identify root causes.
• Assist field teams during system bring-up and turnover to operations.
• Refine parameters and sequences after startup to optimize performance.

Skills

PLC programming

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Logix platform

Ladder logic

HVAC controls

Commissioning

Field troubleshooting

HMI knowledge

EtherNet/IP

Tools

Studio 5000

ControlLogix

CompactLogix

HMI systems

Allen-Bradley tools

Job description

Job Title: PLC Controls Engineer – HVAC / BMS (Hybrid Project Role)

First initial 3-4 months is remote then there is onsite presence required in Haskell, TX.

Job Description

This PLC Controls Engineer role focuses on developing and deploying control systems for large-scale cooling and facility infrastructure in a hybrid project environment. You will begin working remotely to design and program PLC-based control systems, then transition onsite to Haskell, TX to support installation, commissioning, and system startup. This position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys taking systems from concept and design through implementation, testing, and live troubleshooting in the field.

Responsibilities

• Develop PLC programs using Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 on the Logix platform during the remote engineering phase.
• Design and implement control logic for mechanical and cooling systems, including air handling units (AHU/ATU), variable air volume (VAV) systems, chillers and chilled water systems, exhaust fans and ventilation systems, and dampers, valves, and airflow control devices.
• Translate sequences of operation into clean, maintainable, and well-documented control logic that supports reliable system performance.
• Integrate field devices such as temperature, pressure, and flow sensors, transmitters, and actuators into PLC-based control systems.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering and project teams to ensure control strategies align with overall system requirements and design intent.
• Support installation and startup of control systems onsite in Haskell, TX, working in field environments alongside technicians, engineers, and contractors.
• Perform I/O checkout and loop testing to verify proper wiring, device operation, and control system functionality.
• Debug PLC code and perform real-time modifications during commissioning to resolve issues and fine-tune system behavior.
• Conduct functional testing and system tuning to validate performance of HVAC and mechanical control systems.
• Troubleshoot issues across controls, instrumentation, and communications networks, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Partner with field teams and commissioning stakeholders during system bring-up to ensure a smooth transition from construction to operational status.
• Optimize system performance after initial startup by adjusting control parameters, refining sequences, and addressing any operational concerns.
• Contribute to a fast-paced, project-driven environment by meeting startup timelines and adapting to changing project needs.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience in PLC programming or controls engineering.
• Strong hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs, including Studio 5000 and Logix platforms such as ControlLogix and CompactLogix.
• Proficiency in ladder logic development, troubleshooting, and modification in live systems.
• Experience working with HVAC, mechanical, or facility-related control systems, particularly for cooling and air handling applications.
• Prior involvement in commissioning activities, including system bring-up and validation.
• Experience providing startup support for control systems in field environments.
• Field troubleshooting experience across control systems, instrumentation, and communication networks.
• Practical knowledge of automation and controls engineering principles.
• Experience working with HMI systems associated with Allen-Bradley or similar platforms.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Exposure to mission-critical, industrial, or large facility environments where uptime and reliability are essential.
• Experience with system integration and industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, BACnet, and Modbus.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and control system drawings.
• Experience in Allen-Bradley automation environments, including Allen-Bradley PLC programming and related tools.
• Familiarity with broader automation and control system architectures, including integration of field devices, HMIs, and networked controllers.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Dallas, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $85.00/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