Sr. Controls Engineer

Actalent; Kentucky; On-site; USD 50,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Sr. Controls Engineer to provide multi-site electrical, mechanical, and controls engineering support for manufacturing operations and capital projects.

The role includes designing, troubleshooting, and improving industrial electrical systems, developing PLC-based controls (Allen-Bradley), and creating HMIs to optimize operator interfaces across multiple facilities, including a new bakery operation in Columbus.

Qualifications

• PLC programming experience in a manufacturing setting.
• HMI development experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical for electrical drawings and schematics.
• Engineering degree in electrical, controls, or related discipline.
• Strong understanding of 480V power distribution and MCCs.
• Experience in food & beverage manufacturing or process industries.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, OEMs, and integrators.

Responsibilities

• Design, troubleshoot, and improve industrial electrical systems for reliable manufacturing operations.
• Develop, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems (Allen-Bradley).
• Create/modify HMI applications for operator interfaces and process visibility.
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial networking to ensure robust communication.
• Support startup, commissioning, and debugging of new equipment.
• Assist with automation upgrades and standardize controls across facilities.
• Coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, and contractors on projects.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Industrial networking

AutoCAD Electrical

480V power distribution

MCCs

Cross-functional teamwork

Troubleshooting

Education

Engineering degree (Electrical/Controls)

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Sr. Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Sr. Controls Engineer provides multi-site electrical, mechanical, and controls engineering support for manufacturing operations, capital projects, equipment installations, automation systems, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role collaborates closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and OEM suppliers to enhance equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, safety, and overall production performance across multiple facilities, including a newly built bakery operation in Columbus that is supported by significant international investment.

Responsibilities

• Design, troubleshoot, and improve industrial electrical systems to support reliable and efficient manufacturing operations.
• Develop, program, and maintain PLC-based control systems, with a focus on Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Create and modify HMI applications to optimize operator interfaces, process visibility, and equipment usability.
• Configure, support, and troubleshoot industrial networking infrastructure to ensure robust communication between control systems and equipment.
• Work with VFDs and servo systems to implement precise motor control and motion solutions for production equipment.
• Maintain, update, and organize electrical drawings and control schematics using AutoCAD Electrical or similar CAD tools.
• Assist with startup, commissioning, and debugging of new production equipment to ensure smooth integration into manufacturing operations.
• Support automation upgrades and standardize controls across multiple facilities to drive consistency and best practices.
• Coordinate with OEMs, system integrators, and contractors on controls-related projects, ensuring technical requirements and timelines are met.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing equipment reliability, improving manufacturing efficiency, and enhancing safety.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and Quality teams to diagnose production issues and implement effective engineering solutions.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in PLC programming and troubleshooting, preferably with Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Hands-on experience with HMI development and industrial networking in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or similar CAD software for creating and maintaining electrical drawings and schematics.
• Engineering degree in electrical, controls, mechanical, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems, including 480V power distribution and motor control centers (MCCs).
• Expereince in food and beverage manufacturing or similar process-oriented production environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Maintenance, Quality, OEMs, and system integrators.
• Solid troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for complex electrical and automation systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations and standardizing controls across facilities.
• Familiarity with commissioning new production lines and integrating automation systems into existing operations.
• Knowledge of best practices for equipment reliability, safety, and continuous improvement in industrial settings.
• Comfort working with VFDs, servo systems, and motion control applications.
• Strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with external suppliers, contractors, and internal stakeholders.

Work Environment

This role supports modern manufacturing facilities, including a newly built bakery operation in Columbus that is benefiting from substantial international investment in equipment and automation. The work environment is highly collaborative, involving close interaction with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, OEM suppliers, system integrators, and contractors. You will work with industrial electrical systems, PLCs, HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, and industrial networking technologies in a production setting that emphasizes reliability, efficiency, and safety. The position may require time on the plant floor around operating equipment, as well as office-based work for design, programming, and documentation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change a