Automation Engineer

Actalent; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Saint Joseph, MO, is seeking an experienced automation controls engineer with deep PLC expertise to lead automation projects across manufacturing lines. You will design, specify, and integrate new automation systems in collaboration with internal teams and external vendors.

Ideal candidates have 7+ years of controls engineering in manufacturing, strong PLC/HMI skills, and a track record of delivering on-time solutions while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in controls engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell) and Studio 5000.
• Experience working with external vendors to develop and integrate custom automation solutions.
• Strong understanding of automation hardware (sensors, actuators, drives, vision systems, etc.) and control panel design.
• Familiarity with mechanical systems and ability to collaborate on integrated solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Demonstrate influential leadership through cross-functional teams, driving collaboration, and building consensus among stakeholders to achieve project objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects with a focus on PLC programming, controls architecture, and system integration.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Controls Engineering, and Operations to identify process inefficiencies and automation opportunities.
• Work directly with suppliers and vendors to specify, design, build, and integrate new automation equipment into existing manufacturing lines.
• Conduct facility inspections and gather real-time data to inform engineering decisions.
• Support procurement, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automation systems and controls.
• Support compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and plant protocols.
• Document control logic, system architecture, and training materials for internal teams.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in industrial automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing.

Skills

PLC Programming

HMI Development

Studio 5000

Industrial Networking

System Integration

Vendor Collaboration

Automation Hardware

Leadership

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Controls, or Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

This role is ideal for an engineer with deep expertise in PLC programming and controls integration, combined with a solid understanding of mechanical systems. The engineer will collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to identify automation opportunities, optimize manufacturing processes, and lead the specification, design, and integration of new automation systems

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead automation projects with a focus on PLC programming, controls architecture, and system integration.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Controls Engineering, and Operations to identify process inefficiencies and automation opportunities.
• Work directly with suppliers and vendors to specify, design, build, and integrate new automation equipment into existing manufacturing lines.
• Conduct facility inspections and gather real-time data to inform engineering decisions.
• Support procurement, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automation systems and controls.
• Support compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and plant protocols.
• Document control logic, system architecture, and training materials for internal teams.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in industrial automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing.

Required Experience & Skills

• 7+ years of experience in controls engineering within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell Required), HMI development, and industrial networking. Studio 5000 as well
• Experience working with external vendors to develop and integrate custom automation solutions.
• Strong understanding of automation hardware (sensors, actuators, drives, vision systems, etc.) and control panel design.
• Familiarity with mechanical systems and ability to collaborate on integrated solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Demonstrate influential leadership through cross-functional teams, driving collaboration, and building consensus among stakeholders to achieve project objectives. Take decisive ownership of automation initiatives from concept through completion, proactively resolving issues and ensuring successful delivery

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Controls, or Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.

Additional Nice to Have Requirements:

• Experience in battery manufacturing, automotive, or high-volume production environments.
• Knowledge of SCADA/MES systems, data acquisition, and industrial IoT technologies.
• Exposure to sustainability practices and energy-efficient automation design