Job Information
Actalent Electrical Controls Engineer in Surgoinsville, Tennessee
Maintenance Controls Engineer
Overview
We are seeking a Maintenance Controls Engineer who will lead and support all day‑to‑day maintenance activities related to electrical, electronic, and PLC‑based systems. This role focuses heavily on equipment reliability, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and ensuring safe, code‑compliant operation of all automation systems. You will work closely with maintenance technicians, production teams, and contractors to minimize downtime, improve processes, and enhance equipment performance.
Key ResponsibilitiesMaintenance & Troubleshooting
Lead and assist maintenance personnel with troubleshooting, repair, and optimization of electrical and electronic control systems.
Diagnose issues with PLCs, drives, sensors, HMIs, and control circuits to restore equipment operation quickly and safely.
Serve as the technical expert for breakdown support and complex troubleshooting.
PLC & Controls Reliability
Oversee all PLC‑related preventive maintenance activities, including backups, documentation, and program updates.
Ensure all control systems operate reliably, efficiently, and in alignment with plant safety and quality standards.
Maintain accurate documentation of controls architecture, electrical schematics, and software changes.
Electrical Code Compliance
Design, review, or update equipment schematics, ensuring compliance with NEC and applicable electrical codes.
Provide guidance to maintenance technicians and contractors on electrical best practices and safety requirements.
Process Improvement & Continuous Improvement
Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for recurring downtime, equipment issues, or failure patterns.
Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance equipment performance, reliability, and maintainability.
Support and lead kaizen events, 5S activities, and lean manufacturing initiatives across the plant.
Support for Plant Manufacturing
Partner with production and maintenance teams to resolve equipment performance issues and optimize operations.
Provide process engineering support during equipment upgrades, new installations, and maintenance projects.
Assist in developing standardized work instructions and maintenance procedures.
Other Duties
Ensure compliance with ISO, IATF, and facility environmental and safety standards.
Train maintenance technicians on PLC operation, troubleshooting techniques, and new equipment.
Perform additional engineering responsibilities as required.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
3–5 years of experience in electrical/controls maintenance within a manufacturing environment.
Strong hands‑on troubleshooting experience with major PLC platforms.
Proficiency with Siemens and Rockwell/Allen‑Bradley systems (programming, backups, debugging).
Solid understanding of industrial electrical systems, motor controls, VFDs, and automation components.
Working knowledge of NEC and other applicable electrical codes.
Experience conducting RCAs and implementing corrective actions.
Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical schematics.
Work Environment & Growth
This position operates in a hands‑on manufacturing environment with daily interaction on the plant floor. It offers the opportunity to lead maintenance initiatives, enhance equipment reliability, and grow into higher engineering or supervisory roles. The team values continuous improvement, learning, and practical problem‑solving.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Surgoinsville, TN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $100000.00/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 Surgoinsville,TN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 10, 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.