Automation Engineer - Chemical - Middleton, MA

This onsite Automation Engineer opportunity offers the chance to drive automation, process improvements, and safety initiatives within a complex industrial manufacturing environment.

The role combines hands-on engineering, electrical troubleshooting, project leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to improve plant reliability, performance, and operational efficiency.

Client Details

Our client is a globally recognised industrial manufacturer that develops highly engineered products used across a broad range of industries including transportation, energy, marine, infrastructure, electronics, and heavy manufacturing. Known for its commitment to innovation and operational excellence, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering specialised solutions that help customers improve productivity, quality, and overall performance.

As part of a larger international organisation, the business benefits from significant resources while maintaining an entrepreneurial and agile operating culture. Employees are empowered to take ownership of projects, contribute ideas, and make meaningful decisions that directly impact business results. The organisation places a strong emphasis on safety, continuous improvement, employee development, and long-term career growth, creating an environment where motivated professionals can thrive and advance their careers.

Description

We are seeking a Automation Engineer to support the design, installation, commissioning, and optimization of automation systems and production equipment within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role will partner closely with operations, maintenance, engineering, and external vendors to enhance safety, reliability, quality, and production performance while driving continuous improvement initiatives across the facility.

• Lead the installation, integration, and start-up of new automation and process equipment.
• Troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, instrumentation, electrical controls, and production equipment to minimise downtime.
• Support ongoing process optimisation initiatives focused on improving safety, efficiency, reliability, and product quality.
• Provide technical support during equipment start-ups, process upsets, and abnormal operating conditions.
• Manage electrical and automation-related projects from planning through commissioning and handover.
• Participate in hazard analyses, safety reviews, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Develop and maintain electrical drawings, schematics, control documentation, and technical records.

Profile

The successful candidate will be a hands-on automation professional with experience supporting industrial manufacturing operations and a passion for continuous improvement. They will possess strong technical troubleshooting skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to work effectively across multiple disciplines in a live production environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience supporting automation systems within industrial manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial controls, electrical systems, and instrumentation.
• Experience installing and commissioning automation equipment within existing manufacturing operations.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex equipment issues and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Familiarity with process safety standards, regulatory compliance, and manufacturing best practices.
• Experience with industrial software platforms such as Ignition, FactoryTalk, or similar systems is highly desirable.

Job Offer

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing manufacturing operation while working on a wide variety of automation and capital improvement projects. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture that values innovation, technical expertise, and continuous professional development.

• Competitive base salary of approximately $100,000 to $130,000.
• Opportunity to lead high-visibility automation and process improvement projects.
• Strong culture focused on safety, professional growth, and operational excellence.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.