Job Title: Manufacturing Controls EngineerJob Description
The Manufacturing Controls Engineer will be responsible for developing, deploying, and supporting advanced automation and control systems used in production environments. This role will focus on integrating, programming, and commissioning controls hardware and software to improve manufacturing reliability, process visibility, and production efficiency. The Controls Engineer will support new equipment installations, upgrades to existing automation systems, and implementation of standardized controls architectures across multiple product lines. They will work cross-functionally with Manufacturing Engineering, Test Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to ensure system uptime, accuracy, and safety compliance.
Responsibilities
Design, program, and implement automated control systems including PLCs, HMIs, and industrial communication networks to support manufacturing operations.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to control system hardware, software, and network performance to minimize production downtime.
Lead integration projects to unify automation systems across multiple lines and equipment vendors.
Support the deployment and validation of Building Management Systems (BMS), Electrical Power Monitoring Systems (EPMS), and machine-level control systems.
Develop and maintain accurate documentation including control schematics, panel layouts, PLC/HMI code, and network architecture diagrams.
Partner with internal and external teams to ensure timely delivery of controls-related projects while meeting technical requirements and safety standards.
Support equipment commissioning, FAT/SAT, and system acceptance testing to ensure reliable operation under production conditions.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve process control, throughput, and energy efficiency through continuous improvement initiatives.
Provide on-site and remote troubleshooting assistance, ensuring adherence to defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Develop and maintain standardized control templates, code libraries, and design guidelines for reuse across multiple manufacturing areas.
Identify and implement opportunities to improve system reliability and reduce total cost of ownership.
Essential Skills
Automation, control system, programming, commissioning, PLC, new equipment installation, controls engineer
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related discipline.
Minimum 3-5 years of experience in manufacturing controls, automation, or related engineering field.
Experience with control system integration, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial networking.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical diagrams, control schematics, and panel BOMs.
Experience with PID tuning, control theory, and real-time process automation.
Hands-on experience in inspection, testing, and commissioning of control systems in manufacturing or industrial environments.
Familiarity with safety standards (NFPA 70E, OSHA, ISO) and UL/CE compliance.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Knowledge of scripting or high-level programming languages (e.g., Python, VB, or similar) for automation tasks is preferred.
Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent certification is a plus.
Strong understanding of industrial automation platforms such as Siemens (TIA Portal, S7-1200/1500), Allen-Bradley / Rockwell Automation (Studio 5000, FactoryTalk), Schneider Electric (EcoStruxure, Modicon), Tridium Niagara, Johnson Controls Metasys, or similar BMS platforms.
Experience with Industrial Communication Protocols: Profinet, Ethernet/IP, BACnet, or OPC-UA.
Experience designing and supporting control panels, instrumentation, and sensor systems.
Ability to diagnose and resolve automation faults across mechanical, electrical, and software interfaces.
Strong collaboration skills and ability to manage vendor relationships during deployment and commissioning activities.
Excellent documentation, troubleshooting, and project tracking discipline.
Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, complex manufacturing environment with multiple priorities.
Work Environment
This position is within a contract manufacturing environment, specifically in the IRHX work cell, which requires adaptability to a fast-paced setting with multiple priorities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Memphis, Tennessee.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $57.69/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 Memphis,TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 24, 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 (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.
