Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer plays a key role in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, focusing on industrial automation, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement. This position combines hands-on work on the production floor with project engineering responsibilities to optimize control systems, enhance productivity, and support advanced technologies such as robotics, AGVs, vision systems, motion control, and Industry 4.0 solutions. The role requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, effective communication, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset dedicated to improving safety, quality, and efficiency.

• Evaluate control systems, products, components, and applications to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and safety.
• Assess emerging manufacturing and control technologies and incorporate them into specifications and system designs where appropriate.
• Develop and execute test procedures to validate control system functionality, including safety compliance and performance verification.
• Prepare and review electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic control drawings to support system design, modification, and troubleshooting.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to evaluate components, materials, and suppliers for control and automation systems.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of process and production data collection systems, including monitoring and reporting of key metrics.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, process, and engineering teams by responding to inquiries and resolving control-related issues.
• Maintain equipment performance through periodic audits, troubleshooting, coordinating repairs, and driving preventive maintenance initiatives.
• Lead and support continuous improvement efforts related to automation, controls, and manufacturing processes to enhance productivity and quality.
• Develop and maintain project documentation using established methodologies, tools, and templates to ensure traceability and compliance.
• Support supplier development activities and help ensure on-time delivery of components and services needed for control and automation projects.
• Work directly with advanced automation systems, robotics, vision systems, AGVs, Siemens PLCs, and CNC equipment to support plant operations.
• Lead automation improvements and implement control system enhancements that positively impact production of components for electric, hybrid, and traditional vehicle platforms.
• Troubleshoot control system issues on the production floor and implement corrective actions to minimize downtime and improve equipment reliability.
• Perform all other duties as assigned related to controls engineering, automation support, and manufacturing optimization.

• 3+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation or manufacturing controls engineering within a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong technical background in industrial automation and control systems, with a focus on reliability, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Hands-on experience with Siemens PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with Fanuc CNC controls and their integration into manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with robotics platforms such as Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, or similar industrial robots.
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems for monitoring, control, and visualization of manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of industrial networks such as EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings for troubleshooting and design work.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to complex automation and controls challenges.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities to collaborate with cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related engineering field.
• Familiarity with AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and their integration into manufacturing operations.
• Experience with vision systems and motion control technologies used in automated production environments.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Exposure to Industry 4.0 technologies and data-driven manufacturing solutions.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset focused on improving safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Ability to develop and maintain structured project documentation using standard tools and templates.
• Experience supporting supplier development and coordinating with vendors for components and services.

This role is highly hands-on and is not a desk-only engineering position. The Controls Engineer spends significant time on the production floor, working directly with automation systems, robotics, CNC equipment, and manufacturing processes that have a direct impact on plant performance. The work environment blends project engineering, troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and real-time technical support in a fast-paced, high-volume automotive manufacturing setting. The facility produces driveline and metal-forming products for the global automotive market, including technologies that support electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. Engineers are encouraged to take ownership of critical projects and continuous improvement initiatives, working with advanced automation, vision systems, AGVs, Siemens PLCs, and Industry 4.0 technologies to drive productivity, quality, and innovation.

This is a Permanent position based out of Newton, NC.

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $105000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. 401(k) retirement savings plan with company-sponsored retirement benefits. Paid time off and company holidays. Life and disability insurance offerings. Employee assistance and wellness programs. Career development and advancement opportunities within a global manufacturing organization operating in numerous countries and facilities worldwide.

This is a fully onsite position in Newton,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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 [email protected] 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.