Project Engineer – Controls & Automation

Build systems that keep critical energy infrastructure running.

If you enjoy owning projects start to finish and staying hands-on with controls and automation, this role gives you both. As a Project Engineer, you’ll lead control system projects for midstream facilities—designing, programming, commissioning, and working directly with clients to deliver real-world solutions.

This is a high-impact role with visibility, autonomy, and the chance to see your work operating in the field.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

Own automation projects from early estimating through commissioning
Develop control system architecture for compressor stations and pumping stations
Design control system drawings, PLC logic, HMIs, and supporting documentation
Build I/O lists and Cause & Effect matrices from P&IDs and electrical drawings
Coordinate panel fabrication, wiring, installation, and field execution
Lead commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and performance verification
Serve as a technical point of contact for clients, RFIs, and change orders
Collaborate across engineering, field, and project teams to deliver quality results

What We’re Looking For

5–10 years of PLC programming and HMI development experience
Strong experience in instrumentation and industrial control systems
Experience supporting or commissioning midstream facilities preferred
Comfortable reading P&IDs, electrical drawings, and technical documents
AutoCAD proficiency for control and electrical design
Confident communicator who works well independently and with teams
Willingness to travel occasionally for commissioning and field support

Engineering degree preferred, but real-world controls experience matters most.

Why You’ll Want This Role

Real ownership: You design it, build it, and commission it—no siloed work
Meaningful projects: Critical infrastructure with visible, real-world impact
Hands-on engineering: Stay technical while growing project leadership skills
Balanced travel: Purposeful field work, not constant road time
Supportive culture: A team that values collaboration, trust, and craftsmanship
Room to grow: Exposure to complex systems and opportunities to expand your role

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of New Orleans, LA.

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 New Orleans,LA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 31, 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 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.

Posting ID: JP-006046187