About this role
Job Title: Controls EngineerJob DescriptionThe Controls Engineer will support a Transmission Gear Program by validating, commissioning, and optimizing automated manufacturing equipment. This role focuses on Siemens PLCs, CNC motion control systems, and related automation technologies to ensure equipment capability, reliability, and safety in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.Responsibilities
• Validate program capabilities using Siemens PLCs and CNC motion control systems to ensure equipment meets performance and quality requirements. • Commission new equipment on the manufacturing floor, including setup, integration, and initial run-off. • Program and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and associated electrical control systems to resolve issues and improve equipment performance. • Actively participate in safety sign-offs and support risk assessments to confirm equipment compliance with safety standards and procedures. • Verify equipment capabilities against specifications and production needs, making recommendations for improvements as needed. • Coordinate with cross-functional engineering teams to plan and conduct meetings with Tier I suppliers and integrators. • Support debugging of automation and motion control software, including vision systems and RFID software where applicable. • Assist with validation of new equipment, including functional testing, documentation, and sign-off activities. • Interpret and work from electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic blueprints to support installation, troubleshooting, and modifications. • Collaborate with robotics and automation teams to integrate CNC and robotic machines into existing processes. • Use strong computer skills, including MS Office and AutoCAD, to prepare documentation, reports, and technical drawings. • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives related to automation, controls engineering, and equipment reliability. Essential Skills
• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in controls or electrical engineering in an automation or manufacturing environment. • Hands-on experience with new equipment validation, including testing, documentation, and approval processes. • Proven equipment commissioning experience on manufacturing or industrial automation systems. • PLC and HMI programming experience, preferably with Siemens platforms. • Experience working with CNC and/or robotic machines in a production or integration setting. • Some electrical design experience related to industrial control systems. • Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in a technical field, such as electrical engineering or a closely related discipline. • Ability to read and interpret electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic blueprints and schematics. • Strong computer skills, including proficiency with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and AutoCAD. • Experience in automation, controls engineering, and troubleshooting of electrical and control systems. • Experience with robotics, motion control, and vision systems in an industrial environment. • Familiarity with pneumatic and hydraulic systems in automated equipment. • Experience with equipment validation and commissioning in a manufacturing or integrator setting. Additional Skills & Qualifications
• 10+ years of controls engineering experience, ideally in complex manufacturing or automotive environments. • Extensive software programming experience, with Siemens-based platforms strongly preferred. • Knowledge of international electrical and safety standards such as UL, ISO, and IEC. • Familiarity with internal and external safety processes, including risk assessments, PSS, and coordinated safety procedures. • Experience with program delivery elements from early cost study phases through launch. • Extensive knowledge of PTME IT standard footprint applications such as FIS, QLSM, QWX, GPTS, QDAS, OBL, and PDS. • Experience working with automotive OEMs or integrators on large-scale automation projects. • Strong troubleshooting skills across electrical, controls, robotics, and motion control systems. • Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional engineering teams and Tier I suppliers. Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a manufacturing environment with approximately 50% of the time spent on the production floor and 50% in an office or engineering setting, with the exact balance varying based on project needs. The schedule is primarily Monday through Friday on first shift. The position includes approximately 10–15% travel to Louisville, KY (Kentucky Truck Plant) to support equipment commissioning and related activities. The work involves close collaboration with automation, robotics, and integrator teams, using technologies such as Siemens PLCs, CNC motion control systems, vision systems, RFID software, and pneumatic and hydraulic equipment. The environment is fast-paced and project-driven, offering opportunities for career advancement and exposure to top-tier automotive manufacturing operations. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cincinnati, OH. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $46.06 - $50.67/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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Cincinnati,OH. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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 [email protected] 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.