Automation Engineer

Actalent; Eastlake (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, program, troubleshoot, and commission industrial automation and control systems from development through customer-site startup. The role emphasizes Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI/SCADA, and motion control across projects.

Responsibilities include configuring drives, reading schematics, testing equipment, and traveling to customer facilities for startup and support. Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or 5+ years of controls/automation experience.
• Hands-on Allen-Bradley PLC programming experience (Studio 5000/RSLogix 5000).
• Proven experience with industrial drives, motors, and motion systems (AC/DC drives, VFDs, servo).
• Ability to read electrical schematics for troubleshooting and development.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for unfamiliar machinery and controls.
• Comfort around industrial control panels, motors, drives, I/O, sensors.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLC programs per project specs.
• Program and configure HMI/SCADA systems for operator interfaces.
• Set up and commission AC/DC drives, VFDs, and servo systems.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics to diagnose issues.
• Test, debug, and commission equipment through development and startup.
• Travel to customer sites for commissioning and support.
• Collaborate with customers and project teams to clarify requirements.
• Record changes and work completed for project records.

Skills

Allen-Bradley PLC programming

HMI/SCADA configuration

AC/DC drives & motion control

Electrical schematics reading

Troubleshooting in industrial controls

Onsite customer interaction

Travel readiness

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Tools

Studio 5000

RSLogix 5000

Rockwell FactoryTalk

AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN

Job description

Job Title: Automation Engineer Job Description

The Automation Engineer designs, programs, troubleshoots, and commissions industrial automation and control systems from initial development through customer-site startup. This role works extensively with PLCs, HMIs, drives, and motion control systems, supporting projects throughout their lifecycle and collaborating closely with internal teams and customers to deliver reliable, high-performing automated equipment and systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and troubleshoot Allen-Bradley PLC programs, including creating and modifying logic based on project specifications.
• Program and configure HMI and SCADA systems, developing intuitive operator interfaces and control solutions.
• Set up, configure, and commission AC/DC drives, VFDs, servo systems, and motion control equipment, bringing new drive systems online.
• Read, interpret, and troubleshoot electrical schematics to diagnose and resolve control system issues.
• Test, debug, and commission automated equipment through development, factory testing, and startup phases.
• Troubleshoot equipment and control systems both remotely and at customer sites, using logical, systematic methods.
• Work closely with customers and internal project teams throughout projects to clarify requirements, provide updates, and ensure successful outcomes.
• Review electrical drawings and documentation, and accurately record changes and completed work for project records.
• Travel to customer facilities to support installation, startup, commissioning, and acceptance of automated systems.
• Interact with customers on-site, provide technical support, and train end users on the operation and maintenance of automation systems.
• Collaborate across multiple automation platforms when required, ensuring systems integrate effectively with existing equipment.
• Apply relevant codes and standards to control system design and implementation to support safe and compliant solutions.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in a STEM-related field OR at least 5 years of relevant controls or automation experience.
• Hands‑on Allen‑Bradley PLC programming experience, including developing and modifying logic using platforms such as Studio 5000 and RSLogix 5000.
• Proven experience with industrial drives, motors, and motion control systems, including AC/DC drives, VFDs, and servo systems.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics accurately for troubleshooting and system development.
• Strong electrical and controls troubleshooting skills, with the ability to diagnose issues in unfamiliar machinery and control systems.
• Comfort working around industrial control panels, motors, drives, I/O, sensors, and related automation hardware.
• Experience taking automated equipment and systems through development, testing, startup, and commissioning.
• Ability and willingness to travel to customer sites for commissioning, troubleshooting, and support.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with customers, project teams, and end users.
• Solid organizational skills to manage project tasks, documentation, and multiple concurrent assignments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with robotics programming and integration into automated systems.
• PLC experience with Siemens, Modicon, or GE/GE Fanuc platforms in addition to Allen‑Bradley.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN for creating and modifying electrical drawings.
• Knowledge of NEC, NFPA 79, and UL 508 standards as they relate to industrial control panels and automation systems.
• Experience working across multiple automation platforms and adapting to different control architectures.
• Familiarity with Rockwell FactoryTalk for HMI/SCADA development.
• Ability to train end users on system operation and basic troubleshooting at customer sites.

Work Environment

The Automation Engineer works in a mix of office, shop, and customer-site environments, supporting automation projects from design through commissioning. The role involves regular hands‑on work with industrial control panels, motors, drives, I/O, sensors, PLCs, and HMI/SCADA systems, including tools and platforms such as Allen‑Bradley PLCs, Studio 5000, RSLogix 5000, and Rockwell FactoryTalk. Commissioning and startup activities occur at customer facilities, which may include manufacturing plants and industrial sites, and require travel as part of project work. The position is collaborative, project‑focused, and customer‑facing, with an emphasis on safety, adherence to relevant electrical and control standards, and clear communication with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders. Typical work hours follow standard business schedules, with flexibility as needed during testing, startup, and on‑site troubleshooting phases.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $53.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors. 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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Eastlake, OH.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 15, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Eastlake, OH.

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 [e-mail] 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.