Automation Controls Engineer

Eliassen Group; Lodi (CA); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k with company matching

Life insurance

Job summary

Eliassen Group is seeking an Automation Controls Engineer on-site in Lodi, CA for a 9+ month contract to design, develop, implement, and troubleshoot PLC-based automation in high-volume manufacturing. You will collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Validation to ensure reliable operation and drive process improvements.

The role requires hands-on PLC/HMI programming, validation support, and documentation, with a focus on uptime and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 2–5+ years of experience in automation and controls in manufacturing.
• PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting with Rockwell RSLogix 5000/Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk View.
• Experience with industrial protocols (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, IO-Link, OPC UA).
• Experience with validating software, equipment qualification, testing, and documentation.
• Experience with machine vision systems (Cognex In-Sight or VisionPro) and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Program, configure, test, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems and HMIs for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Support installation, commissioning, and startup activities for new equipment.
• Perform troubleshooting and root-cause analysis to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
• Assist with validation activities, equipment qualification, and testing documentation.
• Support integration of control systems including PLCs, HMIs, drives, safety systems, and industrial networks.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, and Engineering to resolve issues.
• Contribute to equipment upgrades, process improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Generate and maintain technical documentation, test protocols, and specifications.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Automation Engineering

Tools

RSLogix 5000/Studio 5000

FactoryTalk View

EtherNet/IP

DeviceNet

IO-Link

OPC UA

Fanuc robots

Job description

Description:

On-site in Lodi, CA

Our client has an opportunity for an Automation Controls Engineer on a 9+ month contract. The role supports the design, development, implementation, and troubleshooting of PLC-based automation systems in high-volume manufacturing. You will partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and validation teams to ensure reliable equipment operation, enable process improvements, and meet production objectives.

Due to client requirements, applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance.

Rate: $60.00 to $75.00/hr. w2

JN -082026-108375

Responsibilities:

• Program, configure, test, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems and HMIs for automated manufacturing equipment.
• Support installation, commissioning, and startup activities for new equipment and automation systems.
• Perform troubleshooting and root-cause analysis on manufacturing equipment to minimize downtime and improve system reliability.
• Assist with validation activities, equipment qualification, and testing documentation.
• Support implementation and integration of control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, drives, safety systems, and industrial communication networks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Manufacturing, Quality, Validation, and Engineering to resolve equipment and process issues.
• Participate in equipment upgrades, process improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Generate and maintain technical documentation, test protocols, and system specifications.

Experience Requirements:

• 2-5+ years of experience supporting automation and controls systems within a manufacturing environment.
• PLC and HMI programming and troubleshooting including Rockwell RSLogix 5000 / Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk View.
• Industrial communication protocols including EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, IO-Link, and OPC UA.
• Hands-on experience with high-speed manufacturing equipment, Fanuc robots, VFDs, servo drives and motion control systems, and standard and safety I/O systems.
• Experience supporting software validation, equipment qualification, and testing activities.
• Experience developing technical documentation, test procedures, and validation records.Experience integrating and troubleshooting control panels with PLCs, I/O modules, power supplies, safety relays, drives, and industrial network components.
• Preferred: experience in regulated manufacturing such as life sciences, medical device, diagnostics, or biotech.
• Preferred: familiarity with GMP, IQ/OQ/PQ, and validation documentation practices.
• Preferred: experience with machine vision systems such as Cognex In-Sight or VisionPro.
• Preferred: experience with continuous improvement and manufacturing process optimization.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related technical discipline.