Controls Engineer

Job Description Job Title: Controls Engineer –(Robotics Workcells)Job DescriptionThis Controls Engineer role focuses on designing, developing, and supporting control systems for complex robotics workcells deployed at scale in fulfillment environments. You will work on advanced robotics, including servo-driven systems, industrial networks, and safety systems, while collaborating with a highly inclusive engineering team. The position offers the opportunity to create novel grippers, sophisticated motion plans, and cutting-edge control algorithms within an engineering lab environment.ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and implement control systems for complex robotics workcells used in large-scale fulfillment operations.Develop and deploy PLC and HMI applications, integrating components such as drives, barcode readers, and remote sensors into cohesive control solutions.Understand and optimize the operation of robotics workcells, including servo drives, industrial networks, safety systems, and integration with host systems.Commission robotics workcells using best practices, including setup, tuning, validation, and formal handover to operations teams.Troubleshoot complex integrated systems, identify root causes, and implement robust corrective actions to restore and improve system performance.Own the development of systems and features that improve throughput, availability, and quality of robotics workcells, as well as deployment speed and effectiveness.Create clear, detailed documentation for control systems, including functional descriptions, configuration details, and operating procedures for internal and partner commissioning and support teams.Develop and evaluate metrics to assess performance of machines and systems, and use data to drive continuous improvement.Contribute to software development for control systems, following current software development best practices and leveraging higher-level programming languages.Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to design and implement novel grippers, advanced robotics motion plans, and control algorithms.Support deployment and management of machines in large-scale, geographically diverse environments, ensuring consistency and reliability across sites.Apply basic and industrial network troubleshooting techniques for networks such as EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, and Profinet.Participate actively in an inclusive team culture, sharing knowledge, reviewing peer work, and contributing to a collaborative engineering environment.Essential SkillsIn-depth knowledge of control systems, including the design and development of PLC and HMI applications.Hands-on experience integrating drives, barcode readers, remote sensors, and other industrial components into control systems.Strong troubleshooting skills for robotics and complex integrated control systems.Proficiency in multiple IEC 61131-3 programming languages, including structured text and related standards.Ability to write control code in CoDeSys and structured text in alignment with IEC 61131-3 standards.Understanding of servo drives and their role in robotics workcells.Experience with industrial networks such as EtherCAT, including configuration and diagnostics.Understanding of basic network troubleshooting, including industrial protocols like EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, and Profinet.Experience with at least one higher-level programming language and familiarity with current software development best practices.Demonstrated experience developing and deploying robotics workcells, including commissioning and system validation.Ability to develop and evaluate metrics to measure machine and system performance.Engineering with the ability to understand and implement complex control architectures.Additional Skills & QualificationsKnowledge of C, C++, or Java for advanced control and system integration work.Experience in multi-axis coordinated motion applications, including motion planning and tuning.Understanding of AWS technologies and their use in managing or monitoring industrial systems.Experience deploying or managing machines in large-scale, geographically diverse environments.Experience with Beckhoff controllers and ecosystems.Professional working experience with CoDeSys, structured text, EtherCAT, and PLC-based systems.Ability to collaborate on the design of novel grippers and advanced robotics motion plans and algorithms.Strong written and verbal communication skills for creating documentation and collaborating with commissioning and support teams.Work EnvironmentThis role is primarily based in an engineering lab environment focused on advanced robotics and automation. You will work hands-on with robotics workcells, servo-driven systems, industrial networks, and control hardware such as PLCs, HMIs, drives, barcode readers, remote sensors, and Beckhoff-based platforms. The environment emphasizes experimentation, testing, and commissioning of cutting-edge robotics solutions, including novel grippers and advanced motion plans. You will collaborate closely with a highly inclusive team of engineers who treat each team member as a full contributor. The work may involve supporting systems deployed across multiple, geographically diverse facilities, requiring a focus on reliability, scalability, and consistent configuration. The culture values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning in a professional lab setting.CJob Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Seattle, WA.Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $85.00/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 & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long-term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Seattle,WA.Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026.About ActalentActalent 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.