Controls Engineer

Description The Controls & Automation Engineer is responsible for supporting, maintaining, and improving the automated control systems that operate our chemical manufacturing processes. This role provides technical expertise in PLCs, DCS platforms, instrumentation, and system integration to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient plant operations. The ideal candidate has 3+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation within a manufacturing or chemical processing environment. Key Responsibilities • Provide day-to-day support for plant automation and control systems to maximize uptime and production efficiency. • Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve issues with PLCs, DCS, HMI systems, instrumentation, and networked control equipment. • Develop, modify, and optimize automation logic, sequencing, and control strategies to improve safety, quality, and throughput. • Maintain and update system documentation, including logic diagrams, network drawings, and functional specifications. • Lead or support capital projects involving automation upgrades, equipment installation, or process improvements. • Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements in all automation-related work, including, but not limited to, participation in process hazard analyses for hazardous processes, design of layers of protection barriers, auditing barriers, and development of preventive maintenance routines related to safety critical barriers. • Collaborate with Maintenance, Engineering, Operations, and external vendors to support system reliability. • Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action implementation for control system failures. • Provide training and technical guidance to maintenance technicians and operations personnel. • Maintain backup procedures, version control, and cybersecurity best practices for all control platforms. • Participate in group network calls and audits with primary focus of managing the site cybersecurity for OT infrastructure. • Develop preventive maintenance activities for control systems to guarantee full reliability of system. Manage spare part inventory and strategy. • Manage controls documentation and instrument loop sheets. • Ensure compliance and continuous improvement with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements in all automation-related work, including, but not limited to, participation in process hazard analyses for hazardous processes, design of layers of protection barriers, auditing barriers, and development of preventive maintenance routines related to safety critical barriers. Control Systems Used On-Site Candidates should have experience with programming and the ability to learn the following systems: • Modicon PLC systems • Siemens PCS7 Distributed Control System • Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) PLC Platforms (ControlLogix, CompactLogix, etc.) Skills Plc programming, Hmi, batching, batch processing, rockwell, controllogix, siemens plc Top Skills Details Plc programming,Hmi,batching Additional Skills & Qualifications Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Chemical Engineering, Automation/Controls Engineering, or related technical field. • Minimum 3 years of controls/automation engineering experience in a manufacturing or chemical processing environment. • Proficiency with ladder logic, function block, and structured text programming. • Strong understanding of industrial instrumentation, control loops, and process automation. • Experience with industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, etc.). • Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and system drawings. • Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills. • Strong communication and collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams. Preferred Qualifications • Experience in a chemical or batch-processing environment. • Knowledge of safety instrumented systems (SIS) and related standards (ISA/IEC 61511). • Familiarity with HMI/SCADA configuration and development. • Understanding of industrial cybersecurity principles. • Experience managing small-to-mid-size automation projects. Experience Level Intermediate Level Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chester, SC. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $52.00/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 Chester,SC. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Mar 12, 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 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 for other accommodation options.

Created: 2026-03-05