Controls Engineer

Entry Level Controls Engineer

Actalent is seeking an entry level Controls Engineer to join our client's dynamic team. In this role, you will design and implement innovative control systems that optimize customer processes and deliver exceptional technical solutions. You'll work independently as a key problem solver, managing projects from concept to completion while providing expertise in PLC programming and automation technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with customers to analyze requirements and develop tailored control system solutions.
• Design control system functionality to improve operational efficiency and meet client specifications.
• Prepare preliminary designs and document project scope for review and approval.
• Work closely with engineering and sales teams to finalize designs and secure customer sign-off.
• Develop detailed quotes, wiring schematics, control panel layouts, and bills of materials.
• Specify hardware and software components for recommended systems.
• Design and program Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) and PLC logic, including ladder diagrams and other source code.
• Simulate, debug, and commission control systems at customer facilities.
• Deliver accurate as-built documentation for customer engineering teams.

Essential Skills:

• Strong proficiency in PLC programming.
• Hands-on experience with HMI development.
• Self-motivated with a passion for learning new programming languages and technologies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with CODESYS is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD for schematic and layout design.
• Solid background in controls engineering and industrial automation.

Work Environment:

• Office-based role with a business casual dress code.
• Flexible scheduling with a preference for daily on-site presence.
• Minimal travel required (less than 5%).

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge automation projects, collaborate with industry experts, and make a tangible impact on customer success. If you're passionate about automation engineering and thrive in a fast-paced, problem-solving environment, we'd love to hear from you!

Job Type & Location:

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

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $36.05/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 Saint Louis, MO.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 18, 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, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.