Job Description
Job Title:
Controls Engineer Job Description The Controls Engineer plays a key project-based role in supporting and advancing manufacturing operations through both planned initiatives and emerging needs. This position leads and manages capital projects and plant improvement initiatives from concept through execution while providing hands-on support, maintenance, and troubleshooting for control systems. The role focuses on improving production efficiency, yield, cost, and overall manufacturing uptime by designing, developing, and managing electrical and control systems in a modern, continuously evolving manufacturing environment. Responsibilities Lead and manage capital projects and plant improvement initiatives from initial concept through detailed design, installation, commissioning, and final handover. Support, maintain, and troubleshoot control systems, including PLCs, HMIs/MMIs, and SCADA systems, to ensure reliable and efficient plant operations. Drive improvements in production efficiency, yield, cost reduction, and overall manufacturing uptime across existing facilities. Design, develop, and manage electrical systems, including line logic, motor controls, switchgear, and related industrial equipment. Develop design requirements, technical specifications, drawings, and electrical single-line diagrams for capital projects and plant upgrades. Create and interpret wiring schematics to support system design, installation, and troubleshooting activities. Provide hands-on technical guidance and training to plant personnel on the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of installed systems. Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, and corporate capability teams to scope, plan, and execute projects successfully. Procure materials and services for electrical and control projects, including preparing requisitions and coordinating with suppliers. Coordinate and oversee installations, commissioning activities, and ongoing maintenance related to electrical and control systems. Prepare project cost estimates, budgets, and timelines, and ensure projects adhere to scope, schedule, and financial targets. Manage contractors and suppliers, including contractor selection, review of working drawings, safety compliance oversight, and on-site coordination. Apply project management principles to plan, prioritize, and execute multiple concurrent projects in a predominantly project-based role. Provide ongoing troubleshooting and system support in the manufacturing environment, often working independently to resolve complex issues. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, supporting the modernization of the plant and the adoption of new technologies. Essential Skills 5+ years of experience in controls, electrical, or industrial engineering within a manufacturing or industrial environment. Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, Systems, Industrial Engineering, or a similar discipline, or an Associate's degree with equivalent hands-on experience. Strong PLC programming experience in an industrial setting, ideally with Allen-Bradley systems. Proven experience working with HMI/MMI and SCADA interface systems. Hands-on troubleshooting experience supporting industrial equipment and control systems. Demonstrated experience managing and executing projects from concept through implementation. Ability to work independently in a predominantly project-based role with a strong emphasis on troubleshooting and system support. Solid automation engineering experience with practical experience in industrial environments. Ability to read, create, and work with wiring schematics and related electrical documentation. Strong project management capabilities, including planning, organizing, and coordinating technical work. Effective cross-functional collaboration skills, particularly with operations, maintenance, and technical teams. Additional Skills & Qualifications Basic power distribution experience for 600V-class systems is a nice-to-have. Experience in commissioning automation and control systems. Familiarity with line logic, motor control, and industrial switchgear. Comfort working in a changing environment where transformation and modernization are ongoing. Strong problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation. Interest in growing into technical leadership or broader leadership roles over time. Ability to build strong relationships and act as a trusted partner to internal stakeholders and external partners. Work Environment This role operates within a global manufacturing organization that produces high-performance glass products for architectural, residential, interior, transportation, and technical applications. Products are used in homes, offices, vehicles, and large-scale, high-visibility projects worldwide. The position is heavily floor-focused, with significant time spent in the manufacturing environment working directly with operations, maintenance, and technical teams. The organization follows principle-based practices and places a strong emphasis on teamwork, integrity, and ingenuity. The Engineering function includes a multidisciplinary team providing controls, reliability, and mechanical engineering support, along with early-career talent. Engineers enjoy a project-based environment with minimal overtime compared to typical manufacturing roles, supporting a healthier work-life balance. The culture encourages continuous learning, problem-solving, and professional development, giving engineers real ownership, influence over how work is done, and exposure to capital projects, plant improvements, and evolving technologies. The broader organization combines the stability of a large parent company with the agility and autonomy of a site-level team, offering strong role stability, predictable work patterns, and clear opportunities for growth and advancement. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of DeWitt, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $135000.00/yr. Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in DeWitt,IA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 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.
