Sustaining Controls Engineer

The Sustaining Controls Engineer serves as the primary engineering escalation point for Sustaining Automation Technicians and owns the lifecycle of deployed automation systems on the manufacturing floor. In this role, you diagnose complex controls, electrical, and network issues, drive thorough root-cause analysis, and independently implement PLC, HMI, SCADA, and MES software improvements. You collaborate closely with Operations and Manufacturing Control and Execution Systems teams to maximize equipment uptime, throughput, and safety within a highly automated production environment.

• Serve as the primary engineering escalation point for Sustaining Automation Technicians to resolve complex electrical, controls, and network issues on deployed production equipment.
• Own the lifecycle of deployed automation systems, ensuring they operate reliably, efficiently, and safely throughout their service life.
• Independently identify, design, and execute PLC, HMI, and SCADA software changes to optimize equipment performance, improve throughput, and eliminate recurring downtime events.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot advanced PLC, HMI, and MES-related issues, performing detailed root-cause analysis and implementing robust, permanent corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot and optimize MES data transactions within PLC programs to ensure accurate product tracking, reliable data handshakes, and consistent system performance.
• Collaborate closely with Operations teams and Manufacturing Control and Execution Systems teams to align automation changes with production needs and continuous improvement goals.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to Automation Technicians on the factory floor to strengthen troubleshooting capabilities and standardize best practices.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule to support off-hour escalations from Automation Technicians and maintain high equipment availability.
• Work directly with equipment vendors and internal stakeholders to plan and execute equipment retrofits and upgrades, and to address long-term technical debt in control systems.
• Review, interpret, and redline electrical schematics to support troubleshooting, design changes, and documentation updates.
• Ensure all plant automated equipment functions safely and correctly, strictly following Safety and Environmental policies and standards.
• Document troubleshooting steps, software changes, test results, and standard operating procedures to maintain clear and accurate technical records.
• Contribute to the development and enforcement of controls standards, including PLC, HMI, network, safety, and MES integration practices.

• 6+ years of hands-on experience as an engineer working on industrial control systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to translate complex engineering issues for operations teams.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting using Siemens TIA Portal, with the ability to execute work independently.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting using Rockwell Studio 5000, with the ability to execute work independently.
• Experience with SCADA/HMI systems, including Ignition Perspective, with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Experience with Siemens WinCC and Rockwell FactoryTalk View ME HMI platforms, with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Basic knowledge and troubleshooting experience with Keyence and Cognex barcode scanners and inspection systems.
• Experience with MES integration, including PLC product tracking and handshake/data programming, with the ability to execute independently.
• Experience with Ignition integration for data, with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to read, review, and redline electrical schematics, with the capability to execute this work independently.
• Experience with Siemens ProfiSafe, Rockwell CIP Safety, and hardwired safety systems, with the ability to execute independently.
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting managed network switches, with the ability to execute independently.
• Experience with iba and Octoplant systems, with the ability to execute independently.
• Exceptional attention to detail in root-cause analysis, testing, and documenting procedures.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

• Experience troubleshooting robotics systems such as FANUC, Epson, and Kawasaki robots.
• Experience troubleshooting industrial vision and inspection systems beyond basic barcode scanning.
• Hands-on experience working directly with equipment vendors on retrofits, upgrades, and long-term technical improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and train technicians in controls, troubleshooting, and best practices on the factory floor.
• Experience working in highly automated, high-throughput manufacturing environments.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple escalations, projects, and priorities simultaneously.

This is an on-site position with the majority of time spent on the manufacturing floor in a highly automated production facility. You work closely with Operations, Automation Technicians, and engineering teams around live equipment, industrial control systems, and networked production infrastructure. The role involves hands-on interaction with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, MES platforms, robotics, safety systems, and managed network devices. You participate in a rotating on-call schedule to support off-hour escalations, which may require occasional work outside standard business hours. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to established procedures, and collaboration to maintain high equipment uptime and throughput.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Weirton, WV.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $75.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Weirton,WV.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.