Automation Engineer

Job Title: Controls Engineer

Job Description

The Controls Engineer designs, programs, and supports automated machinery by developing robust PLC and HMI solutions, integrating robotics and vision systems, and ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient machine operation throughout the full automation lifecycle. This role combines hands-on programming, system integration, testing, and field support, with a strong focus on clear documentation, collaboration with build teams, and delivering high-quality turnkey automation systems to customers.

Responsibilities

• Create, update, and troubleshoot PLC ladder logic to meet customer requirements and internal engineering standards.
• Design, configure, and refine HMI screens to provide intuitive, user-friendly interfaces for machine operators and maintenance personnel.
• Work with technologies such as cameras, robots, sensors, and vision systems to ensure all components of an automated machine operate smoothly together.
• Test machine sequences thoroughly and verify that physical components, including switches, actuators, and cylinders, are wired correctly and function as intended prior to deployment.
• Serve as the primary controls programmer on small to mid-sized automation projects, taking ownership of control system design, implementation, and commissioning.
• Support project timelines by contributing to schedules, tracking milestones, and coordinating with mechanical and electrical teams during the machine build process.
• Maintain clear, organized project documentation, including wire lists, calibration data, technical specifications, and configuration details for controls hardware and software.
• Review and contribute to machine manuals so that customers receive accurate, complete, and easy-to-follow operating and maintenance documentation.
• Support electrical and mechanical technicians during machine builds and debug by answering technical questions, assisting with wiring checks, and troubleshooting control issues.
• Debug control systems and optimize machine performance, making program and configuration adjustments to improve reliability, throughput, and safety.
• Participate in and support validation activities such as Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ), particularly for regulated or medical device applications.
• Assist with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), ensuring that machines meet performance, quality, and compliance requirements before and after installation.
• Travel to customer sites to install, commission, and update machines, and provide occasional emergency service support, including troubleshooting and implementing corrective actions in the field.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the full turnkey automation lifecycle, from initial design and system architecture through programming, testing, installation, and ongoing service.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of hands-on experience in controls programming or industrial automation.
• Strong PLC programming skills with proficiency in ladder logic; experience with structured text or function block programming is a plus.
• Experience with HMI and SCADA development, including designing and implementing operator interfaces.
• Experience working with automated and electrical systems that include robots, vision systems, sensors, drives, AC/DC circuits, PNP/NPN devices, safety circuits, and motion control (servo and stepper systems).
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Basic understanding of pneumatic systems and electro-mechanical assemblies and how they integrate with control systems.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot complex control systems, including in customer-facing and field service environments.
• Experience supporting validation activities such as IQ, OQ, and PQ, particularly in regulated or medical device settings.
• Ability to support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for automated equipment.
• Familiarity with turnkey automation systems and the full automation lifecycle, from design support and programming through testing, installation, and service.
• Knowledge of SCADA systems, IoT concepts, and Industry 4.0 principles.
• Experience with vision systems and tools such as Cognex for inspection, measurement, and defect detection.
• Understanding of system architecture for integrated automation solutions, including control, communication, and data layers.
• Knowledge of user interface (UI) design principles for HMIs to create intuitive and efficient operator screens.
• Experience with Rockwell PanelView or Optix HMIs is a plus.
• Familiarity with industrial communication networks such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus, ProfiNet, DeviceNet, or IO-Link.
• Hands-on experience with vision and inspection systems such as Cognex or Keyence for precision measurement and defect detection.
• Experience integrating and programming industrial robots, including 6-axis and SCARA robots, for pick-and-place, part feeding, and similar automation applications.
• Exposure to robotic process automation concepts and debugging complex automated sequences.
• Understanding of modern automation trends such as Industry 4.0 and connected factory solutions.
• Participation in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) or similar ownership-oriented benefit is available as part of the broader opportunity.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Westbrook, ME.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

10 days PTO 5 days sick time Employee Stock Plan

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Westbrook,ME.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 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.