Controls Engineer

Job Title:

Controls Engineer Job Description The Controls Engineer supports highly automated, high‑volume manufacturing operations with a strong focus on PLC‑based control systems, robotics integration, and equipment reliability. In this role, you partner closely with manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering teams to support production, troubleshoot complex controls issues, and lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance uptime, throughput, and safety across the facility. Responsibilities Support and improve automated manufacturing systems in a high‑volume production environment to ensure stable, reliable operations. Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, robotics, and industrial network issues that impact production, responding quickly to minimize downtime. Support new equipment installations, upgrades, and system modifications, including commissioning and integration into existing systems. Analyze production data, fault logs, and downtime events to identify root causes and implement effective corrective and preventive actions. Maintain and update controls documentation, including electrical schematics, PLC programs, HMI configurations, and standards. Create and manage backups of PLC, HMI, and controls programs to ensure recoverability and compliance with internal standards. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams in manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering to improve system stability, uptime, and overall equipment effectiveness. Contribute to continuous improvement projects focused on automation reliability, throughput, and process optimization. Support safe operation of automated equipment by ensuring controls systems align with safety standards and plant procedures. Provide hands‑on support on the plant floor during all assigned shifts, including weekends, to resolve controls issues in live production environments. Essential Skills Experience supporting automation in high‑volume manufacturing operations. Hands‑on experience with PLCs in a production environment, including troubleshooting and programming. Hands‑on experience with HMIs, including configuration, diagnostics, and support. Experience with industrial networks used in automated manufacturing systems. Strong troubleshooting skills in live production environments, with the ability to quickly diagnose and resolve controls issues. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related discipline. Willingness and ability to work all three shifts and weekends as required by the operation. Additional Skills & Qualifications Background in controls engineering within a high‑volume, multi‑shift manufacturing plant. Experience working with robotics and integrated automated systems. Familiarity with maintaining controls standards, documentation, and backup procedures. Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, including manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering. Interest in continuous improvement, automation reliability, and modern manufacturing technologies. Desire for career growth within a large original equipment manufacturer (OEM) environment and exposure to cross‑plant standards and best practices. Work Environment This role is based in a large, high‑volume automotive manufacturing facility that produces midsize trucks and full‑size commercial vans. You spend approximately 75% of your time in the production/manufacturing environment on the plant floor and about 25% in an engineering office setting. The plant runs multiple shifts and operates at scale, creating a dynamic environment with ongoing technical challenges around uptime, automation reliability, and throughput. You must be open to all three shifts and weekends; ideally there is coverage for each shift, but shifts may rotate every 3-6 months across 1st shift (6:30 am-2:30 pm), 2nd shift (2:30 pm-10:30 pm), and 3rd shift (9:00 pm-6:30 am). Personal protective equipment is required at all times in production areas, including safety glasses, high‑visibility vests, and arm covers. The facility features extensive automation, controls, robotics, conveyors, and tooling, offering exposure to modern manufacturing systems and long‑term, stable operations within a large OEM network. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of St Charles, MO. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $38.00/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 St Charles,MO.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 8, 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.