Job Title: Electrical Controls Engineer
Job Description
The Electrical Controls Engineer designs, programs, and troubleshoots industrial control systems with a focus on PLCs, HMIs, and VFDs, supporting heavy industrial and wastewater-related equipment. This role combines hands-on work in the field with technical design and documentation, and offers extensive training to build long-term expertise and a stable, rewarding career in the industry.
Responsibilities
Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems using platforms such as RSLogix 5000 and Modicon, as well as other PLC, HMI, and VFD configuration software.
Interpret and create electrical schematics to support automation and controls engineering projects.
Commission, test, and validate control systems for heavy industrial equipment, ensuring reliable operation and adherence to project requirements.
Diagnose and repair electro-mechanical ancillary equipment including pumps, motors, valves, actuators, flowmeters, and VFDs.
Use diagnostic equipment, such as vibration analyzers, digital multimeters (DMM), and other measuring tools to log performance data and troubleshoot industrial instrumentation.
Collaborate directly with the Electrical Engineering team to support project execution, system improvements, and technical problem-solving.
Prepare clear technical documentation and reports, using strong technical writing skills to communicate findings, designs, and recommendations.
Utilize Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to create project documentation, presentations, and data analyses.
Work independently and manage time effectively, demonstrating self-motivation and accountability in both field and office tasks.
Maintain and expand knowledge of the wastewater treatment industry, staying informed about relevant technologies, processes, and standards.
Develop and maintain familiarity with electrical control manufacturers' products to select appropriate components and solutions for projects.
Travel as needed to customer sites using a company vehicle or approved transportation, operating in accordance with a valid driver's license and insurable driving record.
Essential Skills
At least 1 year of experience in PLC programming and electrical design.
Proficiency in PLC troubleshooting and programming, including experience with ladder logic.
Ability to understand and utilize electrical software such as RSLogix 5000, Modicon, and other PLC, HMI, and VFD configuration tools.
Strong knowledge of electrical schematics and industrial automation principles.
Hands-on ability to work safely and effectively with heavy industrial equipment.
Good mechanical skills to diagnose, repair, and work with electro-mechanical equipment such as pumps, motors, valves, actuators, flowmeters, and VFDs.
Ability to use diagnostic equipment including vibration analyzers, digital multimeters (DMM), and other measuring instruments.
Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
Experience using Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for documentation and reporting.
Self-motivated mindset with the ability to work independently.
Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Knowledge of wastewater treatment processes and related technologies.
Experience reading and interpreting specifications for municipal (government) and industrial projects.
Experience in controls engineering, automation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of industrial systems.
Familiarity with Allen-Bradley and Siemens PLC platforms.
Experience working with electrical systems and VFDs in an industrial environment.
Ability to collaborate effectively within an Electrical Engineering team and across disciplines.
Work Environment
The Electrical Controls Engineer works closely with a dedicated Electrical Engineering team in a collaborative, technically focused environment. The role involves a mix of office-based design and documentation work and hands-on activities with heavy industrial equipment and control systems. Team members use modern automation tools, PLC and HMI software, diagnostic instruments, and standard office productivity applications. The organization invests time in training employees on the industry and technologies, fostering a culture where people can build long-term careers and grow their expertise over many years. The environment emphasizes safety, professionalism, continuous learning, and mutual support among engineering colleagues
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kenosha, WI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $48.00/hr.
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.
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 Kenosha,WI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 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.
