Controls Engineer
Job Description
This Controls Engineer role focuses on supporting projects that range from small feasibility studies to large, multi-million-dollar turnkey systems. You will develop electrical specifications, design control systems, and program PLC and HMI solutions for complex research and development facilities across automotive, motorsports, defense, nuclear, and aerospace markets. The position requires a team-oriented, organized engineer who communicates effectively at all levels of the organization and consistently meets deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
Develop detailed electrical specifications for equipment selection and system components, ensuring designs meet project and client requirements (approximately 50-60% of the role).
Define and document control system architectures, including instrumentation, control panels, and field devices, for complex test and research facilities.
Program, configure, and test PLC-based control systems, primarily using Allen-Bradley / Rockwell platforms, while remaining flexible to work with other PLC platforms as needed (approximately 40-50% of the role).
Design and implement HMI applications using FactoryTalk or similar HMI software to provide intuitive operator interfaces and robust system monitoring.
Contribute to control system design, including instrumentation controls, automation strategies, and integration of sensors, transmitters, actuators, and motion control systems.
Develop, review, and maintain instrumentation and control documentation, such as data sheets, I/O lists, and control narratives, using provided standards and references.
Support the design, construction, and operation of specialized facilities such as wind tunnels, rocket test stands, climatic chambers, jet engine test cells, acoustic chambers, altitude test facilities, captive trajectory systems, and nuclear-related facilities.
Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of control systems with mechanical, electrical, and data acquisition systems.
Participate in project meetings with internal teams and customers to clarify requirements, present design concepts, and provide technical updates.
Travel to customer sites to support installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of control and instrumentation systems, ensuring successful startup and operation.
Configure and commission control devices such as PLCs, HMIs, variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo drives, industrial instrumentation, and data acquisition measurement systems.
Implement and tune PID control loops and motion control strategies to meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
Assist in diagnosing and resolving control system issues, both remotely and on-site, to minimize downtime and improve system performance.
Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including test plans, commissioning reports, and as-built records for delivered systems.
Work within established schedules and budgets, proactively managing tasks and communicating progress to project leaders.
Support continuous improvement of engineering standards, tools, and processes related to controls, electrical, and instrumentation engineering.
Essential Skills
Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Computer Engineering from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
At least 1 year of engineering experience in controls or electrical engineering.
Experience writing PLC code using Rockwell / Allen-Bradley platforms or other PLC systems.
Hands-on PLC programming skills, including development, testing, and troubleshooting of industrial control logic.
HMI programming experience using FactoryTalk or other HMI software platforms.
Strong interest in electronics, instrumentation, and industrial control systems.
Experience with control and data acquisition systems, including integration of sensors, transmitters, and actuators.
Familiarity with variable frequency drive (VFD) systems and motion control systems.
Understanding of PID control concepts and their application in industrial automation.
Knowledge of communication networks used in industrial automation and control systems.
Ability to develop detailed equipment and instrumentation specifications for control systems.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate with stakeholders at all levels.
Ability to work on site as required for project execution and team collaboration.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and Rockwell Automation tools, including FactoryTalk, is highly beneficial.
control system design for complex facilities such as wind tunnels, test stands, or other research and development environments.
Experience with industrial control systems in automotive, motorsports, aerospace, defense, nuclear, or similar high-performance industries.
Familiarity with industrial instrumentation standards and the use of instrumentation data sheets and engineering documents.
Exposure to data acquisition measurement systems and integration with control systems.
Interest in working on unique, technically challenging projects that involve advanced testing and research facilities.
Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards and best practices in controls, electrical, and instrumentation engineering.
Comfort working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team.
Work Environment
This is an on-site role with a standard Monday-Friday schedule and a 40-hour work week, with half days on Fridays and little to no overtime expected. You will work in a highly technical environment focused on the design, construction, and operation of complex research and development facilities, including wind tunnels, rocket test stands, climatic chambers, jet engine test cells, acoustic chambers, altitude test facilities, captive trajectory systems, and nuclear-related facilities. The position involves hands-on work with industrial control technologies such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), servo drives, industrial instrumentation, and data acquisition measurement systems. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams in a professional, project-driven environment that emphasizes technical excellence, safety, and innovation across automotive, motorsports, defense, nuclear, and aerospace markets
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Tullahoma, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $57.00/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 Tullahoma,TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.
