Controls Technician

Job Title: Controls Technician - Automated Manufacturing Systems

Job Description

This role plays a key part in the electrical design, development, and startup of custom automated manufacturing systems, including robotic welding cells, advanced tooling and fixtures, and integrated automation equipment used by manufacturers around the world. You will support experienced controls engineers, take ownership of control system tasks, and help implement solutions on the shop floor to ensure projects are delivered safely, reliably, on time, and within budget. The position offers extensive hands-on experience with cutting-edge industrial automation, exposure to diverse and highly engineered systems, and the opportunity to see your work directly impact the final equipment delivered to customers.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of assigned control system tasks to support successful project execution on time and within budget.
• Design, debug, and validate safe, reliable PLC and HMI control programs that meet internal standards and customer requirements.
• Collaborate closely with robotic programmers, HMI developers, and mechanical engineering teams to ensure full system functionality and seamless integration.
• Debug electrical and mechanical systems during machine build, startup, and commissioning activities.
• Ensure equipment meets internal run-off requirements, safety inspections, and quality standards prior to shipment.
• Maintain high equipment quality and support continuous improvement initiatives across projects and processes.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with project managers and supervisors regarding technical issues, risks, and recommended solutions.
• Support on-site startup activities, system installation, commissioning, servicing, and customer acceptance as required.
• Travel to customer sites as needed to support project execution, with travel up to approximately 50% (typically 25%-30% in practice).
• Assist in implementing designs and instructions from more experienced engineers on the shop floor, helping to translate engineering concepts into practical, working systems.
• Contribute to troubleshooting and improving complex automation equipment in a hands-on, field-based environment.
• Work collaboratively within a team of programmers and technicians to deliver robust, high-performing automation solutions.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field, OR an Associate's degree with relevant hands-on experience.
• Exposure to an industrial or automation environment through work experience, internships, or academic projects.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and drawings accurately.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs or Fanuc controls, including school projects or entry-level hands-on experience.
• Fundamental PLC troubleshooting skills in an industrial or automation context.
• Basic wiring knowledge and ability to work safely with electrical systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to debug electrical and mechanical systems.
• Effective communication skills to clearly convey technical information to project managers, supervisors, and team members.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to approximately 50% of the time to support installations, commissioning, and service activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience supporting custom-engineered automation or robotic systems, even at an entry level, is highly beneficial.
• Exposure to robotic welding cells, advanced tooling, fixtures, or integrated automation equipment is a plus.
• Experience participating in academic or professional "science project"-style initiatives that required creative problem-solving and experimentation.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where no two projects are the same and requirements can evolve.
• Interest in working on advanced automation, robotic welding, and cutting systems that are engineered from the ground up.
• Desire to grow under the guidance of experienced controls engineers and automation specialists, taking direction and turning it into practical implementation on the floor.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team of programmers and technicians.
• Motivation to contribute to continuous improvement of equipment, processes, and project execution.
• Appreciation for seeing the direct impact of your work on completed systems and customer outcomes.

Work Environment

The role offers a blend of shop-floor and field-based work, with significant hands-on involvement in building, debugging, and commissioning complex automation equipment. Travel is a core component of the position, with roughly 50% travel expected (typically less in practice, around 25%-30%), to support system installation, commissioning, servicing, and ongoing maintenance for customer projects. Travel is structured and intentional, generally capped at about two weeks at a time, allowing you to return home on weekends or between project phases. Assignments range from primarily Midwest-based projects to occasional international work, including locations such as Mexico and, at times, Europe. Travel is fully supported, with all meals covered and financial incentives tied to time on the road, including travel pay incentives and double time when working seven consecutive days on a project. You will be part of a team of approximately 13 other professionals, including both programmers and technicians, and will collaborate closely with engineers, project teams, and customer stakeholders. The environment emphasizes custom-engineered solutions, meaning nearly all work is unique and involves new concepts, designs, and challenges rather than repetitive systems. Many projects are internally viewed as highly innovative, involving creative problem-solving and cutting-edge industrial technology, while still benefiting from established processes and long-term operational stability. The culture values collaboration, practical technical input, and visible impact, providing an ideal setting for controls technicians who enjoy variety, learning from experienced engineers, and working on equipment that pushes technical boundaries.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bettendorf, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $33.00/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 Bettendorf,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 9, 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 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 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.