Job Title:
Controls Engineer Job Description The Controls Engineer designs, develops, installs, and maintains equipment and software used to monitor and control engineering systems and processes, with a strong focus on generator control switchgear and human-machine interface (HMI) applications. This role plays a critical part in a growing engineering team, supporting custom, project-based work that will continually challenge you to learn, innovate, and improve plant processes and control systems. Responsibilities Design, develop, modify, and implement software programming for generator control switchgear human-machine interface (HMI) applications. Configure, program, and test HMI hardware to ensure reliable and efficient operation. Assist in creating and following the electrical design schedule, from specification concept through system start-up and completion, while aligning with overall project timelines. Test, evaluate, modify, and calibrate products, instruments, and control systems to meet performance and quality requirements. Analyze plant processes and identify, design, and implement improvements to enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency. Troubleshoot issues with hardware, software, and processes, and implement effective corrective actions. Analyze project requirements and perform technical calculations to support design, including electrical requirements, robotic safety standards, and motor control specifications. Ensure all relevant safety objectives, standards, and legal requirements are observed and integrated into all work. Collaborate with Power System Engineers to validate and correct HMI programming and control logic. Provide support for HMI issues in the field, including remote HMI installation support and troubleshooting. Use a structured approach to analyze and resolve technical problems and document solutions as needed. Manage multiple concurrent activities and respond to day-to-day operational priorities while maintaining progress on project work. Seek opportunities for continual learning to maintain technical competence and pursue technical excellence. Recognize changing demands and priorities, confirm changes with leadership, and adjust work accordingly. Provide leadership and mentoring when needed, offering constructive performance feedback and technical guidance. Leverage available resources and support systems for troubleshooting and problem resolution, and use feedback to improve communication effectiveness. Essential Skills Demonstrated experience in controls engineering, including design, development, installation, and maintenance of control systems and equipment. Hands-on experience with HMI configuration, programming, and testing for industrial or power systems applications. Relevant HMI software experience with one or more of the following: FactoryTalk, RSView, Vijeo, Crimson, Kepware, or EcoStruxure Machine SCADA Expert. Strong understanding of electrical requirements, motor controls, and applicable safety standards for control systems. Proficiency in troubleshooting hardware, software, and process-related issues in an industrial or engineering environment. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to document and explain technical concepts clearly. Effective problem-solving skills and a structured approach to analyzing and resolving technical issues. Customer service and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders. Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and handle at least 3-4 concurrent activities without reducing productivity. Ability to respond to day-to-day operational priorities while maintaining progress on longer-term project work. Demonstrated commitment to continual learning to maintain and enhance technical competence. Ability to recognize changing demands and priorities and validate changes with leadership before adjusting work. Leadership and mentoring skills to provide technical support and constructive performance feedback to others. Technical proficiency in relevant software applications used in controls and HMI engineering. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience designing and implementing software for generator control switchgear or similar power system control applications. Desired programming experience in one or more of the following: VBA scripting, JavaScript, HTML, C++, Function Block Programming (FBD), SQL, or Python. Familiarity with systematic approaches to solving technical problems and documenting troubleshooting steps. Ability to identify and leverage available resources, support systems, and troubleshooting guides to resolve issues efficiently. Willingness to pursue and assume new technical assignments and challenges as business needs evolve. Openness to feedback and ability to listen without defensiveness and use input to improve communication and collaboration. Interest in working on custom, project-based solutions in the automated switchgear and controls industry. Work Environment This is an onsite role, Monday through Friday, typically working from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break. You will work in an engineering-focused environment that supports the design, development, and implementation of automated switchgear and control solutions. The role involves both office-based work on software and design tasks and interaction with hardware for HMI configuration, testing, and troubleshooting. You will collaborate closely with Power System Engineers and other technical professionals, supporting both project work and field-related HMI issues, including remote installation support. The culture emphasizes meaningful, technically challenging work, continuous learning, and opportunities to grow your skills while contributing to solutions that impact customers and operations across multiple locations. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Alpharetta, GA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $34.00/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 Alpharetta,GA.
Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 30, 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.