Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer Location:

Sterling, IL Travel:

Approximately 25%

Relocation Assistance:

Available Position Summary The Controls Engineer will work under the direction of Project Managers to design, program, and support PLC and HMI applications for industrial weighing, batching, and material handling systems. This role involves a mix of modifying existing PLC programs and developing new solutions, along with hands-on system checkout, troubleshooting, and customer support during equipment startup. Key Responsibilities

• Develop and program PLC and HMI applications (primarily Allen-Bradley/Rockwell platforms)
• Modify and enhance existing PLC programs; ability to program from scratch is preferred
• Create detailed project documentation, including: o Sequence of Operations o I/O lists o Equipment layouts and front panel designs
• Perform in-house system testing and validation of control panels and equipment
• Support installation and startup activities both onsite and remotely
• Troubleshoot system issues and provide technical support to customers
• Collaborate with Project Managers, vendors, and customers to gather and communicate technical requirements
• Assist with electrical design and updating production drawings using CAD tools
• Research and evaluate new technologies and components
• Write technical manuals and documentation for completed systems Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
• 2+ years of experience in industrial controls or automation
• Experience with Allen-Bradley hardware, including: o CompactLogix and ControlLogix PLCs o VFDs and soft starters
• Proficiency with Rockwell software, including: o Studio 5000 / RSLogix o FactoryTalk View ME/SE
• Familiarity with industrial sensors and components (e.g., load cells, pressure sensors, level sensors, limit switches, solenoids)
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience programming PLCs from scratch
• Exposure to Inductive Automation Ignition
• Knowledge of structured text programming
• Experience with CAD tools such as E-Plan, DraftSight, or AutoCAD Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Rock Falls, IL.

Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $110000.00/yr. 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 Rock Falls,IL.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.