Job Information
Actalent Controls Engineer in Houston, Texas
Job Title: Controls EngineerJob Description
As a Controls Engineer, you will design, program, test, and debug control logic for complex industrial equipment using multiple PLC platforms. You will play a key role in developing safe, reliable, and efficient control systems, integrating with supervisory control and HMI systems, and supporting system integration and commissioning activities within a power generation environment.
Responsibilities
Design, program, test, and debug control logic on multiple PLC platforms, with a focus on Siemens and Allen-Bradley systems.
Implement subsystem interfaces and manage data exchange with supervisory control systems to ensure seamless system integration.
Develop control logic for sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and fault handling to support safe and reliable operation of industrial equipment.
Implement fail-safe behavior, including communication loss detection and appropriate system responses to faults and abnormal conditions.
Support HMI integration by defining and managing PLC tags, diagnostics, and control logic to provide clear visibility and control for operators.
Participate in system integration activities, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), commissioning, and on-site troubleshooting.
Work with industrial equipment such as turbines, generators, motors, and hydraulic turbines, particularly in power generation, oil, and gas applications.
Use simulation tools such as MATLAB and Simulink to model, analyze, and validate control strategies before deployment.
Diagnose and resolve control system issues, performing detailed troubleshooting of PLC programs, HMI interfaces, and related electrical systems.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure control system designs meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
Document control logic, system configurations, and testing procedures to support future maintenance and upgrades.
Essential Skills
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a closely related field.
5+ years of hands-on controls engineering experience.
Strong proficiency in PLC programming, with experience on Siemens or Allen-Bradley platforms.
Demonstrated experience designing and implementing control logic for sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and fault handling.
Experience implementing fail-safe behavior and communication loss detection in control systems.
Experience with industrial equipment such as turbines, generators, motors, and hydraulic turbines, ideally within power generation applications.
Proficiency with HMI integration, including configuration of PLC tags, diagnostics, and control logic to support operator interfaces.
Strong troubleshooting skills in controls, automation, and electrical systems.
Experience participating in commissioning and system startup activities, including FAT and on-site support.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience working in power generation, oil, or gas environments.
Familiarity with MATLAB and Simulink or similar simulation software for modeling and validating control strategies.
Background in automation and controls engineering across multiple PLC platforms.
Ability to work independently as the primary or sole Controls Engineer within a product or service line.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail in safety-critical systems.
Effective communication skills for collaborating with engineers, technicians, and operations personnel.
Ability to create clear technical documentation for control systems, testing procedures, and troubleshooting guides.
Work Environment
You will work within a new product and service line focused on power generation, serving as the dedicated Controls Engineer for this area. The environment centers around industrial equipment such as turbines, generators, motors, and hydraulic turbines, with applications in power generation and potentially oil and gas. You will work extensively with PLC and HMI technologies, including Siemens and Allen-Bradley platforms, as well as simulation tools like MATLAB and Simulink. The role involves participation in system integration, Factory Acceptance Testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting, which may include time in both office and industrial or test facility settings. The position offers the opportunity to take ownership of controls engineering for this line, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to the development of advanced power generation solutions.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/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 Houston,TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.