Job Title: Controls Test EngineerJob DescriptionThe Controls Test Engineer provides hands-on engineering support for industrial process and validation test equipment in both manufacturing and laboratory environments. This role focuses on troubleshooting, maintaining, and improving PLC-based controls, HMI systems, instrumentation, data acquisition, and process control equipment used for HVAC and engine cooling validation testing. It is ideal for an engineer who enjoys direct, hands-on work with equipment and systems rather than a position centered primarily on controls design, and offers clear growth opportunities for professionals seeking more practical, troubleshooting-oriented responsibilities.Responsibilities
- Troubleshoot and support PLC-based control systems, HMI devices, industrial electrical systems, variable frequency drives, and process control equipment used in test and validation environments.
- Install and support PLCs and set-point controllers, and tune process and control loops (including PID loops) to achieve optimal operating performance.
- Support instrumentation and data acquisition systems used to measure temperature, pressure, and flow, ensuring reliable and consistent data collection.
- Calibrate instrumentation and verify that measurement systems deliver accurate, conforming test data for validation activities.
- Diagnose and resolve problems involving controls, electrical systems, instrumentation, refrigeration systems, and process or test equipment in manufacturing and laboratory settings.
- Apply knowledge of thermodynamics, refrigeration cycles, HVAC systems, heat exchangers, pumps, valves, sensors, and related process equipment when troubleshooting test systems.
- Collaborate with test technicians and engineers to troubleshoot equipment issues, meet testing specifications, and identify and address data-quality concerns.
- Support commissioning and validation of new test equipment and upgrades to existing systems, ensuring proper functionality and compliance with test requirements.
- Assist with controls and facility improvements involving process control, instrumentation, data acquisition, and safety systems.
- Provide hands-on engineering support to optimize equipment involving PID control loops, thermodynamic principles, and measurement of temperature, pressure, and flow, while diagnosing electrical, mechanical, and controls-related issues in a manufacturing and test environment.
Essential Skills
- Approximately 3+ years of experience supporting industrial process equipment, test equipment, manufacturing equipment, or similar systems in an industrial, manufacturing, or laboratory environment.
- Working knowledge of PLC controls and HMI systems, preferably with Siemens or Allen-Bradley platforms.
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment and automation systems, including the ability to tune and optimize control loops.
- Strong understanding of instrumentation, sensors, analog signals, process control, and data acquisition systems used for temperature, pressure, and flow measurement.
- Solid understanding of closed-loop process control and PID tuning, including setup and adjustment of control parameters.
- Knowledge of thermodynamics and the ability to apply thermal principles when troubleshooting equipment and processes involving HVAC, refrigeration, and heat transfer.
- Ability to troubleshoot across electrical, mechanical, controls, and instrumentation systems in industrial, manufacturing, or laboratory environments.
- Experience working with industrial electrical systems, variable speed motor drives, control valves, and refrigeration loops at a practical, hands-on level.
- Comfort working directly with equipment to diagnose controls, electrical, instrumentation, and mechanical issues rather than focusing primarily on design work.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelors or technical degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and relevant experience.
- Experience with HVAC systems, refrigeration systems, heat exchangers, pumps, control valves, and thermal systems used in industrial or test environments.
- Experience with variable-speed motor drives and industrial electrical systems, including troubleshooting and support.
- Knowledge of Measurement System Analysis and familiarity with NFPA, NEC, and OSHA requirements related to industrial and laboratory environments.
- Experience supporting test benches, validation laboratories, or industrial test equipment, including commissioning and validation activities.
- Experience in process control, including valve sizing, heat exchanger performance, and refrigerant loop behavior.
- Interest in a career path that emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting and equipment support rather than strictly design-focused work.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams of technicians and engineers to solve complex equipment and data issues.
Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a test and validation laboratory environment that combines computer and desk work with significant time spent in lab and bench settings. You will work directly with industrial process and test equipment, PLC and HMI systems, instrumentation, data acquisition hardware, variable-speed motor drives, control valves, refrigeration and HVAC systems, and related electrical and mechanical components. The environment emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting, equipment support, and collaboration with technicians and engineers. Work typically involves a mix of analytical tasks at the computer and practical activities in the lab, with a focus on maintaining safe, organized, and professional working conditions in both manufacturing and laboratory areas. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Lockport, NY. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $115000.00/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.Full company provided benefits. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Lockport, NY. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 10, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Lockport,NY.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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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.
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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):
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