Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer Job Description We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer with 3-5+ years of hands-on PLC programming experience to develop, commission, and support automated dock work cells. In this role, you design and implement PLC-based control systems, ensure machine safety, and maintain automation support tools in a fast-paced industrial environment. You work closely with cross-functional teams across the full system lifecycle, from requirements gathering to commissioning and debug, while leveraging Rockwell platforms, Ladder Logic, Structured Text, Python, and Linux. Responsibilities Develop, program, and support PLC-based control systems for automated work cells. Program, test, and maintain controls applications using Ladder Logic and Structured Text. Own the full controls lifecycle from requirements gathering and technical specification through development, commissioning, and debug. Maintain and enhance Python-based tools for automation support, device integration, data logging, and diagnostics. Work in a Linux environment for scripting, troubleshooting, basic networking, and service support. Support machine safety systems, including safety PLC logic and integration of light curtains, time-of-flight sensors, door locks, and emergency stops. Troubleshoot complex electromechanical systems and drive root cause analysis and resolution. Collaborate with cross-functional engineering, operations, and support teams across the full system lifecycle. Create and maintain clear technical documentation, including requirements, specifications, schematics, and commissioning records. Demonstrate strong ownership, accountability, and a bias for action in a fast-paced, agile environment. Apply and support machinery safety concepts and standards in system design and implementation. Support integration of robotic work cells, including robot I/O interfacing and safety-rated monitoring where applicable. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field. 3-5+ years of hands-on PLC programming experience. Strong experience with Rockwell PLC platforms and associated tools such as RSLogix or similar Rockwell programming environments. Proficiency in Ladder Logic and Structured Text programming for industrial control systems. Working knowledge of Python for script support, bug fixes, and small enhancements to automation tools. Comfort working in a Linux operating system environment for scripting, troubleshooting, and basic networking tasks. Experience with system commissioning, debug, and troubleshooting of automated equipment. Experience with safety PLCs and machine safety concepts, including implementation of safety logic. Familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, IO-Link, OPC-UA, TCP/IP, and Modbus. Ability to operate effectively in a cross-functional, fast-paced engineering environment. Strong communication and documentation skills to clearly convey technical information. Additional Skills Experience with C and/or C++ for embedded or automation-related applications. Experience with Siemens PLCs, including safety controllers such as F-CPU. Familiarity with version control and development tools such as Git, Jira, and CI/CD pipelines. Experience with cloud and monitoring tools such as AWS S3 and CloudWatch. Experience with robotic work cells, including robot I/O interfacing and safety-rated monitoring. Knowledge of machinery safety standards such as ISO standards, IEC standards, NFPA 79, and UL 508A. Demonstrated leadership capabilities in technical projects. Proven record of navigating ambiguous requirements and delivering results in agile environments. Experience in controls engineering, including design, implementation, and support of industrial automation systems. Work Environment This role operates in a hands-on industrial environment focused on automated dock work cells and robotic systems. You work directly with PLC-based control hardware, industrial networks, and safety devices such as light curtains, time-of-flight sensors, door locks, and emergency stops. The position involves frequent collaboration with cross-functional engineering and operations teams, as well as on-site commissioning, debugging, and troubleshooting of electromechanical systems. You use tools and technologies including Rockwell PLC platforms and RSLogix, Linux-based systems for scripting and diagnostics, Python for automation support tools, and industrial communication protocols like EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, IO-Link, OPC-UA, TCP/IP, and Modbus. Modern software practices such as Git, Jira, CI/CD pipelines, and AWS services (S3, CloudWatch) may be part of the workflow. The environment is fast-paced and agile, with an emphasis on ownership, safety, and reliable operation of automated equipment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $135000.00 - $145000.00/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 North Reading,MA.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 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.