Automation Engineer

Job Description: Automation Engineer

This Automation Engineer role focuses on supporting, improving, and expanding automated systems in a heavy industrial manufacturing environment. You will troubleshoot and program PLC-controlled equipment, design and maintain control systems, and develop HMI interfaces and data collection solutions that enhance production reliability and efficiency. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with cross-functional teams while contributing directly to the performance and modernization of the production floor.

Responsibilities

• Support day-to-day automation and operational issues on the production floor to ensure stable and efficient operations.
• Assist with maintenance-related automation and controls issues, including diagnosing and resolving equipment faults.
• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled automated machines to minimize downtime and improve system reliability.
• Program PLCs from scratch on a regular basis, including developing new logic and modifying existing programs as needed.
• Work with the data collection team to develop automation solutions that integrate production data and improve process visibility.
• Perform extensive HMI work, including building new screens from scratch and enhancing existing HMI systems and automation touch panels.
• Design and maintain AutoCAD cabinet layouts and wiring diagrams for control panels and related electrical systems.
• Collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify automation opportunities and implement robust solutions.
• Participate in occasional on-call support and blackout work as required to support planned activities and critical production needs.
• Contribute to achieving system performance targets by continuously improving automation, programming, and troubleshooting practices.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience in controls engineering within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Strong PLC troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve issues on PLC-controlled automated machines.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, including programming from scratch, with experience in Allen-Bradley and GE PLC platforms.
• Experience with HMI screen development and automation touch panels, including building and modifying HMI screens.
• Knowledge of data collection systems and their integration with automation and control systems.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for cabinet design, layout, and wiring diagrams.
• Demonstrated ability in automation system programming, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to work effectively with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams in a production environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond quickly to production and automation issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience designing and maintaining control cabinets and electrical documentation using AutoCAD.
• Experience in heavy industrial manufacturing or similar high-volume production environments.
• Exposure to achieving systems or performance-driven automation projects.
• Ability to independently program PLCs and HMIs from scratch as a key contributor, not only modify existing code.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.
• Adaptability to support occasional on-call duties and planned shutdown activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Portage, IN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $135000.00/yr.

401K PTO Growth within the company

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Portage,IN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 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.