Automation Engineer

ACTalent; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Automation Engineer in Reading, PA to lead MES integration and automation initiatives across North America. You will design, program, install, and maintain manufacturing integration programs with ISA-95 alignment and ERP transitions to SAP S/4HANA.

You will manage MES data, SQL databases, and capital planning for controls and software across multiple sites, with ~25% travel.

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in Industrial manufacturing including controls and MES integration.
• Proficient in Python, SQL and DB administration.
• Experience with Ignition Vision and Perspective platforms with web services.
• ERP integration experience including SAP S/4HANA and RESTful APIs.
• Excellent communication skills in verbal and written form.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate teams to define user and functional requirements of the MES system and incorporate them into the MES system.
• Improve MES and Industrial Automation Controls.
• Develop Automation and MES that support business needs.
• Ensure MES data integrity and backups per retention policy.
• Ensure network and system performance to meet MES users, including SQL database administration and performance.
• Contribute to capital requirements for MES System (Hardware, Software, Implementation).
• Contribute to a 5-year capital plan for controls, software, software maintenance, and data acquisition.
• Lead teams for improved automation.

Skills

MES integration

Python

SQL databases

DB administration

Scripting

SQL Agents

Ignition Vision

Perspective

ERP integration

SAP S/4HANA

RESTful APIs

Communication skills

Education

Electrical Engineering

Computer Engineering

Computer Science

Mechatronics

Engineering Technology

Tools

Rockwell/AB

Siemens

Inductive Automation

Wonderware

Win-CC

Job description

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Job Description

Design, programming, purchase, installation, modification, and maintenance for the manufacturing integration program within North America. Ensure disciplined compliance with ISA-95 standards and MES implementation that results in improved manufacturing processes and data analysis. Support implementation and rollout as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate teams to define user and functional requirements of the MES system and incorporate them into the MES system.
• Provide continuous improvement of MES and Industrial Automation Controls.
• Develop Automation and MES that support the needs of the business.
• Ensure MES data integrity and backups meet the requirements of the company record retention policy.
• Ensure network and system performance to meet the needs of MES users, including SQL database administration and performance.
• Complete educational training to continuously improve MES, Industrial Automation, and Machine Network.
• Contribute to prioritization and development of Capital requirements for MES System (Hardware, Software, Implementation).
• Contribute to a 5-year capital plan for controls, software, software maintenance, and data acquisition.
• Contribute to NA and site standards for MES and controls systems, equipment, and programming.
• Support NA & plant-wide standards for controls systems equipment and drive the effort to follow this for equipment purchases.
• Assist site resources in the design, controls, and MES integration of capital projects and obsolete controls in the plants. Share best practices.
• Implement upgrades that allow for improved automation, safety, and security.
• Develop and maintain a consolidated controls inventory for all NA plants.
• Lead teams for improved automation.

Essential Skills

• 2+ years experience in Industrial manufacturing including controls and MES integration.
• Advanced knowledge of programming languages and SQL databases, including DB administration and applications (Python, Scripting, SQL Agents).
• Inductive Automation-Ignition Vision, Perspective platform with web services programming experience.
• Experience with integration with ERPs, especially transition to SAP S/4HANA, using Restful APIs.
• Excellent communication skills (Verbal and Written).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• MS/BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or applicable Engineering Technology.
• Experience in multi-site projects preferred.
• Experience with Process Modeling and AI a plus.
• Experience with interfacing with industrial controls and PLC programming a plus.
• Knowledge of Rockwell/A-B, Siemens, Inductive Automation, Wonderware & Win-CC.
• Travel as needed (approximately 25%).

Work Environment

The work environment involves contributing to the development of MES and automation systems across North America. The position involves hands‑on work with various technologies, including SQL databases and programming languages such as Python and Scripting. Collaboration with teams and excellent communication skills are essential.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Reading, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $100000.00/yr.

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.

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Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Reading, PA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Reading,PA.

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.