Job Information
Actalent Controls Engineer in Nicholasville, Kentucky
Job Title: Controls EngineerJob Description
As a Controls Engineer, you will oversee the electrical and process controls aspects of new construction projects, optimizing existing plants with updated process control systems. You will program PLCs and provide electrical design through commissioning, with an emphasis on value-engineering and process optimization.
Responsibilities
Plan and execute the installation and commissioning of new systems effectively.
Generate weekly status reports for projects for process stakeholders to review.
Use, develop, and update Engineering Standards to current best practices.
Perform all tasks in compliance with industry standards.
Collaborate with site leadership to develop, implement, and track Key Performance Indicators to foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
Deploy and manage a centralized data historian for all plants on the controls network, identifying and generating plant-based KPIs for monthly reporting.
Train and mentor others on control systems.
Essential Skills
Project management
Electrical design
Commissioning
PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, SLC 500/505, CompactLogix, Automation Direct, Schneider)
Controls engineering
Networking
Material handling
Spray drying
Piping systems
Conveyors
Process improvement
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or other engineering degree
2-5 years of relevant Controls/PLC programming experience
Experience with control panels, networking, and Ethernet
Proficiency in AutoCAD
Experience with drying, distillation, pneumatic conveying, fermentation, rotating equipment, heat transfer, and general plant utilities
Knowledge of process excellence and performance improvement tools such as Lean, PDCA, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Process mapping, waste reduction
Experience in coaching and influencing senior leaders
Ability to work in hot and occasionally dusty environments
Knowledge of ISA electrical diagrams and general NFPA 70E standards and requirements
Self-starter, highly motivated, and reliable with excellent written and verbal communication skills
Work Environment
The position requires working from 8 AM to 5 PM, with 60% of the time spent on the manufacturing floor and 40% in the office. The environment may be hot and dusty. The role involves approximately 25% travel to other sites, with trips potentially lasting up to a week at a time.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Nicholasville, KY.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $115000.00/yr.
Health, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/holiday
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Nicholasville,KY.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Mar 13, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.