Job Title: Controls and Automation Engineer Job Description Join a dynamic team responsible for installing and upgrading manufacturing systems across various facilities. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to significant expansion projects and work within a company known for quality, ethics, and innovation in the food and beverage industry. Responsibilities + Work on controls and automation projects to install new manufacturing systems and upgrade existing systems. + Provide on-site support for controls and automation activities at manufacturing facilities. + Support projects at all manufacturing locations with significant travel involved. + Develop, install, and commission plant controls and automation systems, including PLC programming, HMI development, and MES data collection. + Provide technical support for controls and automation systems using the HELP Desk system. + Design and specify plant control system architecture, including control panels, hardware, and communication protocols. + Establish and enforce process control standards. + Partner with and direct third-party controls engineering partners. Essential Skills + 5-10 years of experience programming PLCs from scratch. + Experience in HMI development, preferably within Wonderware (Aveva) Archestra Systems. + Proficiency in electrical design. + Experience running projects from conception to development. + Proficiency in AutoCAD and Rockwell software. + Willingness to travel 75% of the time within the first year. Additional Skills & Qualifications + 7 years of experience programming from scratch with Allen Bradley PLC. + Experience in the food and beverage, consumer goods, or a similar industry. Work Environment This role is based on-site in Ames, IA, with a business casual dress code. Expect to travel 75% of the time during the first year, including trips to Dallas and Cleveland to learn about operations at other sites. Enjoy working for a company with a strong reputation and a supportive team environment, offering industry-leading benefits and career growth opportunities. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Ames, Iowa. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $150000.00/yr. A no-deductible, $0 premium option for employee-only health coverage. 401(k) with 50% company match on first 8% of earnings you contribute. Safe harbor and profit-sharing company contributions to 401(k). Company paid short- and long-term disability coverage. Company paid 2X annual salary life and AD&D insurance. 4 weeks annual paid time off. 20 floating holiday hours and 6 company paid holidays. Extra time off for volunteering. Tuition reimbursement. Fitness membership reimbursement. And more Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Ames,Iowa. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Feb 6, 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.