Controls Design Engineer

Job Title:

Controls Design Engineer - Power Generation and Microgrids Job Description The Controls Design Engineer for Power Generation and Microgrids designs, develops, automates, implements, and commissions advanced control systems for distributed generation, microgrids, data centers, and utility projects. This role focuses on PLC programming, SCADA and remote monitoring solutions, battery and energy storage applications, networking equipment, and overall system control architecture. You collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary engineering team in the US and EU to deliver detailed, reliable, and scalable engineering solutions based on customer and internal specifications. Responsibilities Design, develop, and integrate control systems for products and projects that include a wide range of microgrid asset types and power system architectures. Review project specifications and drawings with the design team and identify previous projects of similar type to leverage existing best practices. Troubleshoot and optimize control designs and equipment in both office and field environments to improve performance and reliability. Produce complete, accurate, and well-documented product and programming designs for internal teams and customer use. Create programming files for PLCs, SCADA systems, and communication devices associated with each project. Collaborate with the broader engineering team and customers to specify, automate, and commission field devices and integrated systems. Support the programming of all projects based on designs provided by the engineering team, ensuring consistency with standards and procedures. Summarize data, document findings, and report on test results to stakeholders in a clear and organized manner. Ensure project schedules and milestone dates are achieved by effectively planning and prioritizing engineering tasks. Review and verify control programs prior to release to manufacturing to ensure accuracy, safety, and compliance with specifications. Provide coordination and documentation support for internal teams, ensuring clear communication and traceability of design decisions. Resolve outstanding questions or issues related to the automation and control aspects of projects throughout the project lifecycle. Work from engineering drawings, sketches, verbal descriptions, specifications, and technical information using tools such as ePlan and AutoCAD. Modify control programs based on verbal instructions, sketches, drawings, and conceptual descriptions to accommodate design changes or customer requests. Perform in-house Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to validate system performance and functionality. Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, reduce turnaround times, streamline work processes, and enhance the quality of engineering designs. Communicate clearly in English with engineers, drafters, and manufacturing personnel via phone and in person to coordinate technical work. Collaborate effectively as a contributing member of the engineering team, sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues. Aid in maintaining and improving overall engineering schedules, documentation, and workflows. Essential Skills Minimum of 2 years of related experience in controls or automation engineering (or 6 years of related experience without a degree). 2-5 years of experience in automation systems and SCADA integration. Proficiency in Siemens PLC programming, including structured text and ladder logic. Hands-on experience with SCADA systems and remote monitoring solutions. Strong experience in control systems and controls engineering for power generation, microgrids, or related applications. Experience designing and implementing distributed generation control systems and system control architectures. Ability to create, test, and troubleshoot PLC and control programs for complex systems. Experience working with the OPC UA protocol and at least two of the following: Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, Profinet, or MQTT. Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical for control panel and system design. Ability to read, interpret, and work from engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation. Strong troubleshooting skills in both office and field environments for control and automation systems. Ability to interact and communicate effectively with peers and management. Willingness and ability to travel up to 50% of the year for commissioning, testing, and on-site support. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field from an accredited university. Experience with microgrids, data centers, and utility-scale control projects. Familiarity with battery and energy storage system control applications. Experience with networking equipment used in industrial and power system control environments. Experience using ePlan and other electrical design tools in addition to AutoCAD. Ability to summarize test data and present clear, concise reports. Strong collaboration skills and a track record of contributing effectively within interdisciplinary teams. Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on streamlining processes and enhancing design quality. Interest in working in a rapidly expanding organization in the microgrid integration space, with opportunities to grow with the company. Work Environment You work in a mixed office, lab, and field environment, splitting time between design and programming tasks at a desk and hands-on commissioning and testing at customer sites and facilities. The role involves close collaboration with a multidisciplinary engineering team in both the US and EU, using tools such as Siemens PLC platforms, SCADA systems, AutoCAD Electrical, ePlan, and various industrial communication protocols including OPC UA, Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, Profinet, and MQTT. You participate in both Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) in-house and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) in the field, often at microgrid, data center, and utility locations. Travel can be up to 50% of the year, depending on project needs. The culture emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and the opportunity to contribute on the ground floor of a rapidly growing microgrid integration organization Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Raleigh, NC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $48.00/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 Raleigh,NC.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 10, 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.