Job Title: Controls EngineerJob Description
This Controls Engineer role supports a high-volume manufacturing operation that produces commercial shelving and racking systems for major retail environments. You will join a growing automation team responsible for overseeing a new automated shelving line, with a strong focus on supporting, modifying, and optimizing PLC and robotic systems. The position centers on troubleshooting, debugging, and improving control systems to ensure reliable production and continuous improvement across the facility.
Responsibilities-
Oversee and support the implementation of new automation for a high-volume shelving production line.
-
Develop, modify, and optimize PLC programs, with a focus on Allen-Bradley platforms and RSLogix.
-
Troubleshoot and debug control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, and associated automation equipment, to resolve downtime issues and improve system reliability.
-
Manage the installation, configuration, and start-up of PLC systems, including wiring verification, program loading, and system validation.
-
Support the integration of robotics and PLCs from scratch, ensuring seamless communication and safe operation of automated cells.
-
Collaborate closely with production and maintenance teams on the manufacturing floor to identify, diagnose, and resolve equipment and process issues.
-
Adjust and refine HMI interfaces to improve operator usability and support efficient production operations.
-
Assist in commissioning new equipment and automation projects, including testing, troubleshooting, and performance tuning.
-
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by recommending and implementing control system enhancements to increase throughput, quality, and safety.
-
Document control system changes, updates, and configurations to maintain accurate and up-to-date technical records.
-
Provide technical guidance and support to production support staff related to controls, robotics, and automated systems.
Essential Skills-
5+ years of experience in robotics or PLC programming and integration from scratch in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
-
Strong PLC programming skills, preferably with Allen-Bradley PLCs and RSLogix platforms.
-
Hands-on experience with automation and controls engineering in a production setting.
-
Proven ability to troubleshoot and debug PLCs, HMIs, and control systems in real-time on the manufacturing floor.
-
Experience managing the installation, setup, programming, and troubleshooting of PLC systems.
-
Combination of controls and robotics experience, including integration and support of robotic systems.
-
Solid understanding of electrical engineering concepts as they relate to industrial control systems.
-
Ability to work effectively on the production floor alongside production support and operations teams.
-
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on complex technical issues.
-
Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and document technical work clearly.
-
Degree in engineering or a related technical field is preferred but not required.
Additional Skills & Qualifications-
Experience with MIG welding processes is a plus.
-
Exposure to robotic welding applications is highly desirable.
-
Familiarity with Fanuc robots and their integration with PLCs is a strong advantage.
-
Knowledge of FactoryTalk HMI platforms is beneficial.
-
Experience with RSLogix 5000 is preferred.
-
Interest in career growth into leadership roles within engineering or operations.
-
Willingness to participate in career development and educational assistance programs offered by the employer.
Work Environment
This role is based in a large manufacturing facility that produces sheet metal shelving units similar to those used in major retail stores. The building is older but has recently undergone expansion and modernization, with new equipment and an upgraded automated shelving line. Controls Engineers spend the majority of their time on the production floor, working directly alongside production support teams and engaging hands-on with equipment and automation projects. The work environment offers a flexible work schedule, casual dress, and a laid-back culture that emphasizes collaboration and practical problem-solving. The organization has a long-established presence in its industry, holds a significant share of the shelving market, and provides strong opportunities for growth and upward mobility, including promotion from engineering into leadership roles. While working on a contract-to-hire basis, employees receive six paid holidays, three weeks of accrued vacation, and a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage available from the first day of employment. Upon conversion to direct employment, the benefits expand to include a 401(k) with employer match, an Employee Assistance Program, an Educational Assistance Program, formal Career Development Programs, company bonus potential of up to 10% per year (paid up to 5% every six months), ten paid holidays, three weeks of accrued vacation, and continued access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits from day one.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middlebury, IN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $65.00/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: • 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 Middlebury,IN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 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.
