Travel Control Systems Engineer

ACTalent; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 54,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Per diem

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Controls Systems Engineer for project-based, on-site work in Phoenix, AZ. The role is full-time, contract-to-hire, with 3–6 month assignments and frequent travel to client sites.

You will define and implement PLC configurations, perform testing, and support commissioning of advanced control systems. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in automation commissioning, HMI systems, and troubleshooting, plus an engineering degree and willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Experience with automation commissioning and validation.
• Ability to define PLC configurations for industrial/process manufacturing.
• Strong troubleshooting for commissioning non-conformances (mechanical/electrical/controls).
• Experience with HMI configuration and basic programming.]
• Willingness to travel 3–6 months per site and adapt to new projects.

Responsibilities

• Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols in process environments.
• Troubleshoot non-conformances to ensure reliable system operation.
• Collaborate with engineers and clients to design and deliver control systems.
• Define/implement PLC configurations for projects.
• Perform testing, on-site commissioning, and qualification of control systems.
• Configure and integrate control components and related systems.
• Diagnose issues with HMI interfaces, electrical/mechanical components.

Skills

Automation commissioning

PLC configurations

HMI systems

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Travel willingness

Learning agility

Attention to detail

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

HMI software

PLC software

Job description

Job Title: Controls Systems Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Systems Engineer role is a full-time, travel-based position that moves from project to project, with typical assignments lasting 3 to 6 months at each location. In this role, you execute automation commissioning and validation protocols, troubleshoot and resolve non-conformances, and contribute to the delivery of state-of-the-art control systems that enhance efficiency, product quality, and profitability in process manufacturing environments. You work closely with internal engineering teams and clients to define and implement PLC configurations and perform testing, on-site commissioning, and qualification of control systems.

Responsibilities

• Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols for control systems in process manufacturing environments.

• Troubleshoot and remediate commissioning and validation non-conformances to ensure systems operate reliably and meet performance requirements.

• Collaborate with internal engineers and client teams to design and deliver state-of-the-art control systems that improve efficiency, product quality, and profitability.

• Define and implement programmable logic controller (PLC) configurations tailored to specific project and process requirements.

• Perform testing, on-site commissioning, and qualification of control systems to verify proper functionality and compliance with specifications.

• Support building automation initiatives by configuring, programming, and integrating control components and related systems.

• Diagnose and resolve issues involving HMI interfaces, mechanical components, and electrical systems as they relate to controls performance.

• Adapt to different project sites and industries, quickly learning new processes and technologies to support successful implementation.

• Communicate clearly with project stakeholders, providing updates on commissioning progress, issues, and resolutions.

• Follow established procedures and safety protocols while working on-site, ensuring safe and efficient execution of all tasks.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with control systems engineering, including automation commissioning and validation.

• Proficiency in defining and implementing PLC configurations for industrial and process manufacturing applications.

• Strong troubleshooting skills for commissioning and validation non-conformances, including mechanical, electrical, and controls-related issues.

• Experience with HMI systems, including configuration, operation, and basic programming or setup.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment with internal engineers and client representatives.

• Engineering background in mechanical, systems, automation, or electrical disciplines, or equivalent hands‑on experience.

• Willingness and ability to travel for extended project assignments, typically 3 to 6 months per location.

• Flexibility to work varying schedules and adapt to changing project demands.

• Enthusiasm for learning new technologies, processes, and industries.

• Strong problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail when validating and qualifying control systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering degree in mechanical, systems, automation, or electrical disciplines, or comparable practical experience in controls engineering.

• Experience with building automation systems and related controls technologies.

• Comfort working with both mechanical and electrical components in industrial environments.

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a travel-based role and adjust quickly to new sites and teams.

• Adaptable and enthusiastic approach to continuous learning and professional development.

• Interest in leadership opportunities and growth within a controls engineering career path.

Work Environment

This position is fully on‑site at project locations. You work in a hands‑on environment that requires appropriate PPE gear and adherence to safety protocols. Typical schedules include either six 10‑hour days or five 10‑hour days per week, depending on project needs, and a flexible schedule is expected to accommodate commissioning activities. The role offers frequent travel, exposure to different industries, and the opportunity to work directly with advanced automation and control technologies. Team members benefit from hands‑on training, growth and leadership opportunities, and competitive per diem support while on assignment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Phoenix, AZ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $39.00 - $50.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Phoenix, AZ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Phoenix,AZ.

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.

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 applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.