Sr. Automation Controls Engineer

Actalent; Plano (TX); On-site; USD 83,000 - 103,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

PTO / Vacation or Sick Leave

Transportation benefits

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Automation & Controls Engineer to design, program, and commission industrial automation and SCADA systems for critical infrastructure and manufacturing. You will develop Allen-Bradley PLC logic, build Ignition SCADA apps, and integrate field devices across full project lifecycles.

Responsibilities include FAT/SAT, commissioning, and optimizing control strategies for energy efficiency and reliability in a fully onsite Plano, TX role.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLC programming using Studio 5000 for ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms.
• Experience building and deploying Ignition SCADA applications.
• Knowledge of field instrumentation, sensors and actuators in industrial environments.
• Familiarity with industrial networking protocols and cybersecurity basics.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs using Studio 5000 for ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms.
• Design and implement control strategies for mechanical and process systems such as HVAC equipment and pumps.
• Translate sequences of operation into organized, maintainable control logic.
• Configure and integrate instrumentation, sensors, transmitters, actuators, and VFDs into the control system.
• Support FAT, SAT, startup, and commissioning activities throughout projects.
• Perform I/O checkout, loop checks, validation testing, and system verification.
• Troubleshoot PLC code, controls hardware, and communication issues during commissioning.
• Optimize control strategies and tune systems for performance and energy efficiency.
• Design, configure, and deploy Ignition SCADA applications using Vision and/or Perspective.
• Develop operator interfaces, dashboards, alarm management, and reporting tools.
• Create real-time data visualization for monitoring and decision-making.
• Build SQL database connections, historian integrations, and trend analysis tools.
• Configure user management, security roles, alarming, and data collection in SCADA.
• Integrate PLCs, field devices, and third-party systems via industrial protocols.
• Assist end users with troubleshooting and ongoing optimization.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLC programming

Studio 5000

Ignition SCADA

Control systems design

HVAC controls

Field instrumentation

VFDs

Industrial networking

SQL databases

Cybersecurity basics

Tools

Studio 5000

Ignition Vision

Ignition Perspective

SQL Server

Job description

Job Title: Automation & Controls Engineer (Controls & SCADA Engineer)

Job Description

This role focuses on designing, programming, and commissioning industrial automation and SCADA systems for mission-critical infrastructure and advanced manufacturing environments. The Automation & Controls Engineer develops Allen-Bradley PLC control logic, builds Ignition SCADA applications, integrates field instrumentation, and supports full project lifecycles from initial design through startup, optimization, and long-term reliability.

Responsibilities

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs using Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 for ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms.

• Design and implement control strategies for mechanical and process systems such as HVAC equipment, chilled water systems, pumps, air handling units, exhaust systems, and related infrastructure.

• Translate detailed sequences of operation into organized, maintainable, and well-documented control logic.

• Configure and integrate instrumentation, sensors, transmitters, actuators, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and other field devices into the control system.

• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), startup, and commissioning activities throughout project execution.

• Perform I/O checkout, loop checks, validation testing, and system verification to ensure proper operation of automation systems.

• Troubleshoot PLC code, controls hardware, and communication issues during commissioning and startup, resolving problems to maintain project schedules.

• Optimize control strategies and tune systems to improve performance, energy efficiency, and overall reliability.

• Design, configure, and deploy Ignition SCADA applications using Vision and/or Perspective modules.

• Develop operator interfaces, dashboards, alarm management systems, and reporting tools to support day-to-day operations.

• Create real-time data visualization for operational and facility systems to enhance monitoring and decision-making.

• Build and maintain SQL database connections, historian integrations, and trend analysis tools for data collection and analysis.

• Configure user management, security roles, alarming, notification systems, and data collection processes within the SCADA environment.

• Integrate PLCs, field devices, and third-party systems using industrial communication protocols.

• Support commissioning and validation of SCADA applications during startup activities, ensuring systems function as designed.

• Assist end users with troubleshooting, enhancements, and ongoing system optimization initiatives.

• Provide onsite startup and commissioning support during project execution at the facility.

• Collaborate closely with technicians, contractors, project managers, and commissioning teams to coordinate activities and resolve issues.

• Diagnose issues involving controls, instrumentation, networking, and SCADA communications and implement effective solutions.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLC programming using Studio 5000 for ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms.

• Proficiency in PLC programming, troubleshooting, and controls engineering for industrial automation systems.

• Experience with Ignition SCADA development, including building and deploying applications using Vision and/or Perspective modules.

• Strong understanding of controls engineering principles and industrial automation practices.

• Ability to configure and integrate instrumentation, sensors, transmitters, actuators, VFDs, and field devices.

• Experience supporting factory acceptance testing, site acceptance testing, startup, and commissioning of automation systems.

• Ability to perform I/O checkout, loop checks, validation testing, and system verification.

• Skill in troubleshooting PLC code, control hardware, and communication issues in the field.

• Experience designing operator interfaces, dashboards, alarm management, and reporting tools in a SCADA environment.

• Familiarity with SQL databases and industrial data collection systems.

• Knowledge of industrial networking and communications protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, BACnet, OPC UA, and MQTT.

• Experience integrating HMIs, SCADA platforms, VFDs, and intelligent devices into automation systems.

• Understanding of cybersecurity principles as they relate to industrial control systems.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including technicians, contractors, and project managers.

• Strong documentation skills for recording commissioning results, testing procedures, and system modifications.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $75.00/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 Plano,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 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.