Controls Engineer

Job Title:

Controls Engineer - Automation and Special Machinery Job Description This role focuses on electrical design, controls integration, and machine troubleshooting for custom automation and special machinery. You will work primarily with OMRON PLCs, HMIs, drives, and Keyence vision and laser systems, supporting complex automated equipment through the full lifecycle from concept through commissioning and support. The position emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting on the manufacturing floor, integration of safety systems, and collaboration with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Responsibilities Troubleshoot automated machinery and control systems on the manufacturing floor, including diagnosing and resolving complex electrical and controls issues. Work extensively with OMRON PLCs, HMIs, and drives to support, modify, and optimize existing control systems. Support and troubleshoot Keyence vision systems and laser marking systems, including cameras and marking equipment. Assist with Siemens PLC-based systems for machine troubleshooting, including uploading and downloading code when needed. Debug safety relays and safety circuits, and support safety-related controls on equipment. Contribute to the electrical design of automation equipment, including reviewing and updating electrical schematics and layouts, occasionally using AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical. Support programming structure for PLCs and HMIs using Function Block Diagram (FBD), Ladder Logic, and Structured Text (ST). Work with SICK safety controllers and safety I/O using FBD-based programming structures. Collaborate on concept development for new machines and automation systems, providing input on controls architecture, safety, and component selection. Participate in supplier evaluations and selection for controls hardware, safety devices, and automation components. Assist with customer presentations and technical discussions related to automation solutions and machine capabilities. Configure and support industrial communication networks including Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, IO-Link, and serial communications such as RS485 and

RS232 ASCII.

Ensure that control systems and electrical designs align with relevant standards and best practices, supporting compliance with applicable codes and guidelines. Take ownership of assigned tasks, proactively seek additional work to stay productive, and follow through to completion with minimal supervision. Communicate clearly in writing and verbally with internal teams, suppliers, and customers to resolve issues and coordinate work. Essential Skills Minimum of 5 years of experience working with OMRON PLCs, HMIs, and drives, including troubleshooting and support of production equipment. Strong hands-on machine troubleshooting skills for complex automated machinery and processes. Proficiency with OMRON Sysmac software for PLC and HMI applications. Experience with

OMRON NX

hardware, including CPUs, I/O modules, and

OMRON NX

servo drives. Ability to work with programming structures such as Function Block Diagram (FBD), Ladder Logic, and Structured Text (ST) for PLC and HMI applications. Experience with Keyence vision systems, including XG-series CPUs and cameras, and use of Keyence XG Editor and Keyence Terminal. Experience with Keyence laser systems, such as the ML-Z9600, and use of Keyence MarkingBuilder4 software. Familiarity with SICK safety controllers, including SICK safety CPUs and safety I/O, and programming in FBD for safety applications. Strong skills in safety relay and safety circuit debugging for automated machinery. Ability to configure and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT, IO-Link, RS485, and

RS232 ASCII.

Working knowledge of AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical for reviewing and modifying electrical schematics and panel layouts. Ability to upload, download, and support Siemens PLC code for troubleshooting purposes, even if not acting as the primary Siemens programmer. Demonstrated self-starter mindset with the ability to work independently, manage priorities, and stay productive without constant direction. Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences. Additional Skills & Qualifications Four-year engineering or technical degree preferred, such as BSEE or BSEET, or equivalent work experience that enables immediate contribution. Experience with the electrical design and programming of automation equipment, including PLCs, HMIs, vision systems, servo motors, and assembly robots. Familiarity with national and international standards related to industrial automation, such as national electrical code, NFPA 79, ISO standards, and

ANSI/RIA R15.06.

Background in the design and integration of special machinery and automation systems, including flexible manufacturing and packaging equipment. Experience working with robotic work cells, including integration of robots, vision systems, and safety systems. Ability to assist with concept development for new automation projects, including controls architecture and component selection. Experience participating in supplier evaluation and selection for controls and automation components. Comfort presenting technical solutions and participating in customer-facing discussions about automation systems. Experience with vision and laser systems in industrial environments, with a preference for Keyence platforms. Strong sense of ownership, accountability, and pride in delivering high-quality engineering work in a deadline-driven environment. Work Environment The role is based within a long-established operation that designs and builds special machinery and automation systems, including flexible manufacturing and packaging equipment and robotic work cells. The environment centers on automated machinery that is engineered and assembled to be sold to manufacturing customers, with extensive use of vision systems, controls, and software. You will spend significant time on the shop floor and test areas working directly on machines, supporting commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. The facility includes clean, well-organized manufacturing and clean room spaces dedicated to advanced automation projects. The culture reflects deep local roots and a strong work ethic, with a fast-paced, deadline-driven atmosphere focused on cost, quality, and meeting customer commitments. Team members take pride in their work and value individual responsibility, ownership, and self-motivation. The company is privately held and mid-sized, offering a close-knit environment where contributions are visible and recognized, and professional growth and development are encouraged. The location sits in a business park with convenient access to major highways, making commuting straightforward. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Huntersville, NC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $58.00/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 Huntersville,NC.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 1, 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.