Controls Engineer

Controls Engineer

This position is responsible for designing and building control systems for wood-fired energy systems, lumber dry kilns, and related products and services within the forest products industry. The role involves interfacing directly with various levels of the company while performing assigned duties.

Responsibilities

• Design and build control systems for wood-fired energy systems and lumber kilns.
• Write and test programs for machines using PLCs and HMIs.
• Troubleshoot and fix problems, either remotely or on-site.
• Teach plant workers how to operate the systems safely and correctly.
• Stay updated with new technology to ensure systems remain top-notch.
• Design electric controls and power systems in compliance with contracts and applicable codes and standards, focusing on plant and operator safety.
• Evaluate, select, and configure electrical and electromechanical components.
• Develop, design, and test PLC code and HMI screens.

Essential Skills

• Degree in electrical or control systems engineering.
• Experience with automation and control systems.
• Skills in programming PLCs and HMIs.
• Knowledge of motors, drives, and safety standards.
• Hands-on experience with industrial equipment and control panels.
• Proficiency in developing and testing PLC and HMI programs.
• Ability to design control systems compliant with NEC, OSHA, and other safety standards.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of AutoCAD Electrical and MS Office or similar.
• Proficiency with PLC and PC-based control systems and HMIs.
• Knowledge of PID and PI control theory, AC and DC drives and motors, servers.
• Familiarity with NEC and electrical wiring practices.
• Experience building and commissioning electrical control panels in accordance with UL508A.
• Field experience with process industry, power distribution, and cogeneration.
• Professional experience with 3-Phase electrical systems, field devices, and instrumentation.
• Good understanding of computer and industrial networks.
• Exposure to a wide variety of process machinery, industrial sensors, and equipment.

The successful candidate will join a small team of five engineers. The role involves hands-on engineering, offering real impact by working on complex, large-scale industrial systems. The company culture is tight-knit and collaborative, fostering a supportive environment where leadership is accessible and open to feedback. Engineers will have opportunities for growth and exposure to a wide range of technologies, allowing for the development of deep technical skills across multiple domains. The position requires openness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $115000.00/yr.

PTO 2-3 weeks depending on tenure sick holiday

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Vancouver, WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2025.

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, please email actALENTaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.