Controls engineer Jobs in USA

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 manufacturing facility. You spend approximately 75% of your time in the production/manufacturing environment on the plant floor and about 25% in an engineering office setting. 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 network.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wentzville, 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 Wentzville,MO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 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.