Job Description: Electrical Controls Engineer
The Electrical Controls Engineer designs, programs, and supports automated industrial control systems, combining strong hands-on electrical expertise with advanced PLC and HMI programming skills. This role focuses on delivering robust electrical control system designs, schematics, and software solutions for custom automated equipment while managing multiple projects, collaborating closely with design engineers, manufacturing teams, and customers.
Responsibilities
Design and develop electrical control systems, including detailed schematics and layouts for automated industrial equipment and control panels.
Program industrial PLCs using Rockwell platforms (500/5000 level) and develop HMI applications with FactoryTalk View software to support automated systems.
Configure and program controls using Beckhoff platforms and TwinCAT software to meet system performance and reliability requirements.
Integrate I/O with electrical control devices and implement industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet, ModBus, and DeviceNet.
Participate in tuning closed-loop control systems and adjusting PID algorithms for variable (analog) I/O interfaces to optimize system performance.
Perform hands-on electrical system design, assembly, wiring, and troubleshooting, ensuring proper integration of electrical components into panel designs.
Apply a basic understanding of power distribution and safety requirements in electrical panel design to create compliant and reliable systems.
Create and maintain electrical drawings and layouts using AutoCAD Electrical and adhere to established drawing standards.
Ensure designs comply with NEC Codes and Electrical Standards for Industrial Machinery applicable to industrial plant installations.
Consider UL, CSA, and CE requirements in designs where applicable, supporting certification efforts when needed.
Collaborate with design engineers to develop cost-effective, custom automated solutions for industrial applications.
Occasionally assist manufacturing teams in building and testing custom automated systems to validate design intent and functionality.
Support customers with installation, commissioning, and setup of automated systems as requested, including on-site assistance.
Manage both short-term and long-term projects, balancing competing priorities and meeting aggressive schedules while maintaining quality.
Demonstrate leadership by taking initiative, making sound decisions, and maintaining accountability for project outcomes.
Provide excellent customer service through clear written communication and responsive technical support.
Work effectively within a team environment, sharing knowledge and collaborating to resolve technical challenges.
Essential Skills
Electrical/Controls Engineering degree or equivalent BS degree in a related field.
5+ years of related engineering experience in electrical controls or automation.
Minimum 2 years of experience with Rockwell PLC platforms (500/5000 level) and FactoryTalk View HMI software.
Minimum 2 years of experience with Beckhoff controls and TwinCAT PLC software.
Proven ability to program industrial PLCs and develop HMI applications for automated systems.
Strong hands-on experience in electrical system design, panel assembly, and troubleshooting.
Ability to integrate I/O with electrical control devices and configure industrial communication platforms such as Ethernet, ModBus, and DeviceNet.
Basic understanding of power and safety requirements in electrical panel design.
Familiarity with NEC Codes and Electrical Standards for Industrial Machinery in industrial plant installations.
Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical and adherence to electrical drawing standards.
Working knowledge of automated systems and components in an industrial environment.
Demonstrated project management skills for handling both short-term and long-term engineering projects.
Strong leadership qualities, including initiative, accountability, and sound decision-making.
Ability to function effectively within a collaborative team environment.
Excellent customer service orientation and strong written communication skills.
Self-motivated mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Wonderware HMI software is beneficial but not required.
Experience tuning closed-loop control systems and working with variations of PID algorithms is advantageous.
Experience in variable (analog) I/O interface control.
Exposure to UL, CSA, and CE standards and certification processes is a plus.
Experience in the automated equipment industry or similar industrial automation environments.
Broad understanding of automation and controls engineering principles.
Ability to support manufacturing and testing activities for custom automated systems.
Capacity to provide on-site customer support for installation and commissioning when needed.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Warrenville, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $57.00/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 Warrenville,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 2026.
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.
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 process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: 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.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: 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): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
