Controls Engineer

Job Title:

Controls and Automation Engineer Job Description Join a dynamic team dedicated to installing new manufacturing systems and upgrading existing systems across multiple facilities. This role offers the opportunity to work on exciting controls and automation projects, providing technical support and designing plant control system architecture. Responsibilities Collaborate on controls and automation projects to install new manufacturing systems and upgrade existing systems. Provide on-site support for controls and automation activities at various manufacturing facilities. Travel to Wooster, OH through the end of 2025 for onboarding, with ongoing travel up to 25%. Develop, install, and commission plant controls and automation systems, including PLC programming, HMI development, and MES data collection. Provide technical support for controls and automation systems using the HELP Desk system. Design and specify plant control system architecture, including control panels, hardware, and communication standards. Enforce process control standards and partner with third-party controls engineering partners. Essential Skills 5-10 years of experience programming PLCs from scratch. Proficiency in HMI development, preferably within Wonderware (Aveva) Archestra Systems. Strong skills in electrical design. Experience managing projects from conception to development. Willingness to travel 75% of the time within the first year. Experience with AutoCAD, Rockwell, and design programming. Additional Skills & Qualifications 7 years of programming experience with Allen Bradley PLC from scratch. Experience in the Food and Beverage, Consumer Goods, or similar industry. Work Environment The position is based on-site in Ames, IA, with a business casual dress code. Expect to travel 75% of the time in the first year to Dallas and Cleveland to gain insights into operations at other sites. The role offers a collaborative and innovative work environment with opportunities for professional growth. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Ames, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $150000.00/yr. A no-deductible, $0 premium option for employee-only health coverage. 401(k) with 50% company match on first 8% of earnings you contribute. Safe harbor and profit-sharing company contributions to 401(k). Company paid short- and long-term disability coverage. Company paid 2X annual salary life and AD&D insurance. 4 weeks annual paid time off. 20 floating holiday hours and 6 company paid holidays. Extra time off for volunteering. Tuition reimbursement. Fitness membership reimbursement. And more Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Ames,IA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Mar 6, 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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.