Job Title: Controls EngineerJob DescriptionThe Controls Engineer is responsible for the electrical and controls design of mechanical and hydraulic power stamping presses and related automation upgrades. This role covers the full lifecycle of press upgrade projects, including HMI and PLC design, safety PLC configuration, hardware and panel layouts, risk assessments, field device layouts, installation supervision, and full line commissioning. The position offers exposure to advanced automation technologies, long-term project work, and substantial opportunities to learn and grow as an engineer.Responsibilities
- Design and develop new HMI programs using GP-Pro software on Pro-face hardware for mechanical and hydraulic power stamping presses and related automation upgrades.
- Modify and optimize existing HMI programs using GP-Pro software on Pro-face hardware to support press upgrades and customer requirements.
- Review and verify HMI programs during customer buyoffs to ensure functionality, usability, and compliance with project specifications.
- Create new PLC programs using Studio 5000, RSLinx, IAB, MPE720, PCwin, Memosoft, and Simatic Step 7 software on Allen-Bradley, Yaskawa, Mitsubishi, and Siemens hardware.
- Modify existing PLC programs using Studio 5000, RSLinx, IAB, MPE720, PCwin, Memosoft, and Simatic Step 7 software on Allen-Bradley, Yaskawa, Mitsubishi, and Siemens hardware to support system changes and upgrades.
- Review and verify PLC designs during customer buyoffs to confirm proper operation, safety, and alignment with project requirements.
- Design new safety PLC programs using Studio 5000, RSLinx, IAB, and Simatic Step 7 software on Allen-Bradley and Siemens hardware to meet safety standards and risk reduction goals.
- Modify and maintain existing safety PLC programs using Studio 5000, RSLinx, IAB, and Simatic Step 7 software on Allen-Bradley and Siemens hardware.
- Review and verify safety PLC designs during customer buyoffs to ensure adherence to safety requirements and proper integration with the overall control system.
- Create new hardware layouts using IAB and AutoCAD Electrical software to support electrical hardware design for press upgrades.
- Modify existing hardware layouts using IAB and AutoCAD Electrical software to accommodate design changes and field conditions.
- Review and verify hardware layouts during customer buyoffs to ensure accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance with standards.
- Develop new panel layouts using AutoCAD Electrical software for control panels associated with stamping presses and automation systems.
- Update and refine existing panel layouts using AutoCAD Electrical software to reflect design modifications and improvements.
- Review and verify panel layouts during customer buyoffs to confirm proper component placement, wiring practices, and safety considerations.
- Perform risk assessments on projects related to bid selection, hardware procurement, and installation timing to identify and mitigate technical and safety risks.
- Create new field device layouts using IAB and AutoCAD Electrical software to define the placement and wiring of sensors, actuators, and other field devices.
- Modify existing field device layouts using IAB and AutoCAD Electrical software as needed to support design changes and site conditions.
- Review and verify field device layouts during customer buyoffs to ensure correct installation, accessibility, and alignment with system design.
- Supervise engineers, electricians, and millwrights during installation of various press upgrades, providing clear technical direction and support.
- Provide day-to-day guidance on installation tasks to engineers, electricians, and millwrights to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution.
- Resolve construction-related issues during installation by troubleshooting problems and coordinating solutions with project stakeholders.
- Provide full line commissioning support before, during, and after installation of press upgrade projects, including PLC, electrical, and controls validation.
- Support equipment demolition, installation, and commissioning activities, ensuring that systems are properly decommissioned, installed, tested, and brought into production.
- Collaborate effectively within a team environment to deliver projects on time and in line with customer expectations.
- Communicate clearly with internal teams and customers using excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Multitask across multiple projects and responsibilities while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering, electrical technologies, computer science, or a related field; or a technician degree; or equivalent work experience.
- Hands-on experience with AutoCAD Electrical for creating and modifying hardware layouts, panel layouts, and field device layouts.
- PLC programming experience with Rockwell (Allen-Bradley), Mitsubishi, and Siemens platforms, including the ability to create and modify programs.
- Experience with PLC development tools such as Studio 5000, RSLinx, IAB, MPE720, PCwin, Memosoft, and Simatic Step 7.
- Experience in electrical hardware design and modification for industrial automation and press systems.
- Experience with equipment demolition, installation, and commissioning in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
- Strong controls engineering background, including automation and PLC-based control systems.
- Ability to multitask effectively across multiple projects and responsibilities.
- Ability to work well within a team environment and collaborate with engineers, electricians, and millwrights.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical documentation and stakeholder communication.
- Ability to travel and work in Canada and Mexico as project needs require.
- Ability to work weekends and holidays as necessary to support installations and commissioning activities.
- Proficiency working with Windows operating systems and related software tools.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with SQL and Oracle databases for data handling and integration with control systems.
- Familiarity with Cisco networking equipment and industrial networks.
- Experience with Omron PLCs and control hardware.
- Programming experience with Python, VBA, and .NET for automation, data analysis, and tool development.
- Exposure to robotics and robotic integration within manufacturing or stamping environments.
- Experience with SCADA systems for monitoring and controlling industrial processes.
- Experience with data visualization and business intelligence tools such as Power BI and Tableau.
- Knowledge of SQL-based reporting and analytics to support production and maintenance decision-making.
- background in computer science or software programming related to industrial automation.
- Interest in long-term, open-ended project work with extensive opportunities to learn advanced controls and automation technologies.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain work-life balance in roles that involve travel and variable schedules.
Work EnvironmentThis role supports stamping press operations and automation projects in a manufacturing environment with approximately 25% travel, including travel to facilities in Canada and Mexico. Work is primarily performed in industrial plant settings where mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical equipment is in operation, and where safety procedures and appropriate attire for a factory environment are required. Project schedules may occasionally require work on weekends and holidays to support installation and commissioning activities. The position is part of a long-term, stable contract structure with projects planned 510 years in advance, providing consistent work and exposure to a wide range of technologies and systems. The culture emphasizes flexibility with schedules and work-life balance, collaborative teamwork, and strong support for consultants. There are ample opportunities to transition into full-time roles, and engineers gain extensive hands-on experience with advanced automation, controls, and stamping technologies. Benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, and overtime compensation at time and a half for hours worked over 40, with travel arrangements handled for contractors. The environment is supportive and stable, with a track record of retaining consultants even during challenging economic conditions Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Georgetown, KY. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $39.00/hr. 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.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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Georgetown, KY. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Georgetown,KY.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.
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