Automation Engineer

Actalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in San Diego, CA is seeking a Senior Automation Equipment Engineer to lead the development, integration, commissioning, and ongoing improvement of pilot-level automated manufacturing equipment. This hands-on role covers assembly cells, fixtures, controls, robotics, vision, and data connectivity.

The engineer will drive lifecycle activities from build to sustained support, diagnosing issues and implementing improvements to increase reliability and performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years PLC/HMI experience.
• 5+ years system integration experience.
• 2+ years machine vision experience.
• Hands-on automated equipment commissioning and troubleshooting.
• Experience supporting manufacturing or process development equipment.
• Strong problem-solving and cross-functional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of automated assembly cells, machines, fixtures, and related manufacturing equipment.
• Perform hands-on equipment build, integration, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.
• Diagnose and resolve equipment, controls, robotics, vision, and system integration issues.
• Commission equipment modifications and integrate changes into existing systems.
• Provide sustaining engineering support for pilot manufacturing equipment.
• Implement improvements that enhance equipment reliability and performance.
• Work with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and machine vision systems.
• Connect equipment to IT/OT infrastructure for real-time data acquisition.
• Apply statistical tools to support product and manufacturing process development.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and other cross-functional partners.

Skills

PLC/HMI experience

System integration

Machine vision

Hands-on commissioning

Manufacturing equipment experience

Cross-functional communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Rockwell Studio 5000

Ignition SCADA

Cognex vision system

Robotics integration

IT/OT data acquisition

Job description

Automation Equipment Engineer

We are seeking a Senior Automation Equipment Engineer to support the development, integration, commissioning, and ongoing improvement of pilot-level semi-automated and fully automated manufacturing equipment. This is a hands‑on engineering position focused on automated assembly cells, production machines, fixtures, controls, robotics, vision systems, and manufacturing data connectivity.

The engineer will participate throughout the equipment lifecycle, from build and integration through commissioning, startup, troubleshooting, and sustaining support. This person will diagnose mechanical and equipment‑related issues, support equipment modifications, and implement improvements that increase system functionality and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of automated assembly cells, machines, fixtures, and related manufacturing equipment.
• Perform hands‑on equipment build, integration, commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting.
• Diagnose and resolve equipment, controls, robotics, vision, and system integration issues.
• Commission equipment modifications and integrate changes into existing systems.
• Provide sustaining engineering support for pilot manufacturing equipment.
• Implement improvements that enhance equipment reliability and performance.
• Work with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and machine vision systems.
• Connect equipment to IT/OT infrastructure for real‑time data acquisition.
• Apply statistical tools to support product and manufacturing process development.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering and other cross‑functional partners.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in an engineering or related technical discipline.
• Five or more years of PLC/HMI experience.
• Five or more years of system integration experience.
• Two or more years of machine vision experience.
• Hands‑on automated equipment commissioning and troubleshooting experience.
• Experience supporting manufacturing or process development equipment.
• Strong problem‑solving and cross‑functional communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Rockwell Studio 5000 experience.
• Ignition SCADA experience.
• Cognex vision system experience.
• Robotics integration experience.
• IT/OT infrastructure and real‑time data acquisition experience.
• Experience with automated assembly equipment and statistical analysis tools.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role in San Diego supporting a pilot manufacturing and engineering environment. The engineer will work directly with automated equipment and collaborate with engineering teams. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with possible overtime during equipment integration or commissioning activities. No travel is required. The assignment is expected to last one year and may be extended.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $47.00 - $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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego, CA.

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.