Automation Controls Engineer

Job Title: Automation Controls Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Contract to Hire Automation Controls Engineer with strong machine vision experience to support automated inspection systems in a medical device or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. This role is primarily focused on programming and optimizing vision systems to improve inspection accuracy and equipment performance. Secondarily, this engineer will support validation activities to ensure compliance with regulated industry standards. The ideal candidate combines hands-on vision systems expertise with validation experience and is comfortable working in a GMP-regulated production environment.

Responsibilities

• Program and optimize machine vision systems such as Cognex and Keyence to improve inspection accuracy and equipment performance.
• Support validation activities including IQ/OQ/PQ to ensure compliance with regulated industry standards.
• Integrate vision systems with equipment, sensors, and PLC logic.
• Troubleshoot and optimize equipment to improve inspection performance and production reliability.
• Execute and document validation protocols in a regulated production environment.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with machine vision systems, including programming, setup, and tuning.
• Experience in medical device or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Understanding of regulated environments and compliance constraints.
• Experience with validation engineering, particularly IOPQ, IQ/OQ/PQ.
• Background in automation, controls, or equipment engineering.
• Ability to troubleshoot inspection systems and production equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with PLC platforms such as Allen Bradley and Siemens.
• Strong understanding of lighting, optics, and image processing.
• Experience with audit readiness and validation documentation.
• Exposure to high-volume or high-speed manufacturing environments.
• Engineering degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related field.

Work Environment

The role is based on-site in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing facility with strict procedural and documentation requirements. It involves a balanced environment of production floor equipment support, engineering troubleshooting and system optimization, and validation documentation and protocol execution. Frequent collaboration with Quality, Validation, Manufacturing, Operations, and Engineering leadership teams is expected. Work requires adherence to FDA, GMP, and internal SOPs, strong documentation discipline, and change control awareness when modifying equipment or vision systems. The environment is likely fast-paced and compliance-driven, where engineering decisions have both production and regulatory impacts.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Golden, CO.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $62.50 - $72.11/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 Golden,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

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.