Job Title: Controls Engineer
Job Description
This Controls Engineer role focuses on developing and supporting control systems for industrial and mobile equipment. You will design and program PLC and embedded control software, create intuitive HMI/operator interfaces, and integrate sensors, actuators, and networks into cohesive systems. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams and occasional travel for testing, commissioning, and system integration.
Responsibilities
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Develop control software for PLC and embedded controllers to operate industrial and mobile equipment.
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Design, program, and optimize HMI/operator displays to ensure user-friendly and efficient operation.
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Translate product requirements and customer needs into clear, actionable software requirements and specifications.
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Implement and test control algorithms for motors, valves, hydraulic systems, and various sensors.
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Perform unit and integration testing on machines to verify performance, reliability, and safety.
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Lead or participate in software and HMI design reviews to ensure quality, maintainability, and adherence to standards.
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Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, service, and product teams to deliver integrated solutions.
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Support troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for field, customer, or warranty issues as needed.
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Contribute to technical documentation, including test plans, work instructions, and troubleshooting guides.
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Write software that defines machine behavior and ensures consistent, reliable operation.
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Create HMI screens that allow operators to monitor and control equipment effectively.
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Connect and control components such as motors, valves, hydraulics, and sensors within the control system.
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Diagnose and resolve issues when equipment is not running properly to minimize downtime.
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Integrate PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and networks into fully functioning systems.
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Occasionally travel domestically and internationally for testing, commissioning, or system integration activities.
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Interface with customers and provide field support when required.
Essential Skills-
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
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5+ years of experience developing control software for industrial or mobile equipment.
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Hands-on experience with PLC or embedded control systems, including Allen-Bradley or Siemens platforms.
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Proficiency in C, C++, or Structured Text programming for control and embedded applications.
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Experience in HMI development for industrial or mobile equipment.
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Strong understanding of integrating sensors and actuators, including pressure, temperature, motors, valves, and hydraulics.
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Demonstrated ability in PLC and controls programming, including ladder logic and structured text.
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Strong troubleshooting and system-level problem-solving skills for complex machinery.
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Experience writing, testing, and troubleshooting PLC programs.
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Ability to perform system integration, connecting PLCs, HMIs, sensors, and networks into cohesive systems.
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Experience creating and maintaining technical documentation such as test plans and work instructions.
Additional Skills & Qualifications-
Experience with off-road or mobile construction equipment control systems.
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Familiarity with CodeSys and ladder logic programming environments.
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Knowledge of CAN bus, Ethernet, or other industrial networking technologies.
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Experience with hydraulic control systems and their integration into control architectures.
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Understanding of 12V and 24V DC electrical systems used in mobile or industrial applications.
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Exposure to telematics or machine connectivity solutions.
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Experience interfacing directly with customers and supporting field service activities.
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Background in automation and controls engineering in an industrial setting.
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Experience with HMI programming and designing user-friendly operator screens.
Work Environment
This role is primarily onsite, working closely with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, service, and product teams in a collaborative engineering environment. The position offers the opportunity for a flexible schedule, aligned with project and operational needs. You will work with PLCs, embedded controllers, HMIs, sensors, actuators, and industrial networking technologies to develop and support control systems. The role includes occasional travel, including trips to Tennessee and other domestic or international locations, for testing, commissioning, and system integration activities. The environment emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous improvement within a growing engineering team.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Eugene, OR.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $55.28 - $62.50/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:
- 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)
This is a fully onsite position in Eugene,OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 14, 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 [email protected] 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.
