Controls Engineer

Job Title:

Controls Engineer Job Description The Electrical/Controls Engineer leads and executes electrical and automation initiatives within a modern manufacturing environment. This role focuses on designing and optimizing industrial automation systems, improving equipment reliability, increasing operational efficiency, and ensuring compliance with applicable safety and electrical standards. The engineer manages projects from concept through implementation, provides hands-on technical support on the production floor, collaborates with cross-functional teams, and continuously evaluates system performance to drive productivity, safety, and cost savings. Responsibilities Lead the design, programming, troubleshooting, and lifecycle support of PLC and HMI systems for manufacturing equipment and processes. Develop, implement, and maintain industrial control systems, including drives, sensors, power distribution, and related electrical infrastructure. Own electrical and controls projects end-to-end, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, execution, and post-implementation review. Manage project timelines, cost, scope, and quality while coordinating with vendors, contractors, and internal stakeholders. Integrate new equipment into existing manufacturing systems and lead automation upgrades and infrastructure modifications to support production needs. Enhance process control strategies across production environments to improve safety, uptime, throughput, and product quality. Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot industrial networking and communication systems using protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, and Profibus. Ensure compliance with NFPA 70E, NEC, OSHA, and other relevant electrical and safety standards, incorporating electrical safety and environmental considerations into all designs and projects. Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, IT, EHS, and external contractors to implement solutions and resolve technical issues on the plant floor. Provide hands-on technical support on the production floor, diagnosing and resolving controls and automation issues in a timely manner. Apply World Class Manufacturing (WCM) or similar continuous improvement methodologies to drive equipment reliability, process stability, and long-term operational excellence. Create, update, and maintain accurate technical documentation, including electrical schematics and control system drawings, using tools such as AutoCAD Electrical. Use Microsoft Office, Office 365, and Microsoft Project to prepare project plans, reports, presentations, and status updates for stakeholders. Utilize SAP or similar systems for project and asset management, including tracking equipment, documentation, and maintenance-related data. Serve as a technical leader on the plant floor, influencing engineering decisions and standards rather than acting solely in a desk-based support capacity. Participate in and sometimes lead cross-functional and global or cross-cultural project teams to deliver complex automation and controls solutions. Identify and evaluate opportunities for automation upgrades, controls standardization, and process improvements across capital-intensive manufacturing processes. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a closely related field. 7+ years of manufacturing-based electrical and controls engineering experience (10+ years preferred). Proven experience in PLC programming, including design, configuration, and troubleshooting in a production environment. Hands-on experience with HMI design, development, and troubleshooting for operator interfaces. Strong background in controls engineering and industrial automation, including control system architecture and integration. Practical experience with drives, sensors, power distribution, and industrial control systems in a manufacturing setting. Demonstrated ability to lead technical project teams and manage electrical/controls projects from concept through implementation. Proficiency in reading, creating, and modifying electrical schematics and control drawings. Experience with industrial networking and communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus, and Profibus. Solid understanding of NFPA 70E, NEC, OSHA, and related safety and electrical standards. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex automation and electrical issues. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Ability to work independently and make sound technical decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Experience working within global or cross-cultural team settings. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with Rockwell and Allen-Bradley PLC platforms and related control system hardware and software. Proficiency with AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical for creating and maintaining electrical schematics and panel layouts. Familiarity with robotics and robotic integration within manufacturing processes. Experience with SAP or similar enterprise systems for project and asset management. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Office 365, and Microsoft Project for documentation, reporting, and project planning. background in World Class Manufacturing (WCM) or similar continuous improvement methodologies. Knowledge of rubber and/or polymer processing, including mixing, extrusion, curing, and foaming, is preferred. Demonstrated ability to influence and standardize controls and automation practices across a plant or multiple lines. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing multiple projects and priorities. Work Environment This role operates within a modern manufacturing facility that places a strong emphasis on automation upgrades, controls standardization, and continuous improvement. The position requires frequent presence on the production floor in a physically active setting, including standing, walking, squatting, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds. Work hours may include project-dependent travel and non-standard schedules to support installations, commissioning, and critical production activities. The engineer works in a collaborative, cross-functional environment alongside operations, maintenance, IT, EHS, and external contractors, with significant hands-on interaction with advanced manufacturing technologies and capital-intensive processes. The culture supports structured continuous improvement, long-term project visibility, and career growth for those who enjoy being a technical leader closely engaged with plant-floor operations. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mebane, NC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $75.00/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 Mebane,NC.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Apr 18, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.