Automation Engineer – Project

Peak Workforce (Newbold) LLC; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 102,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Peak Workforce (Newbold) LLC seeks an Automation Engineer to lead electrical and controls for major capital projects in Lexington, SC. You will design, program, and commission systems on large-scale manufacturing equipment, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure on-time startup and reliable operation.

The role focuses on designing control systems, PLC/HMI development, and project management from concept to startup, with collaboration across production, maintenance, and vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related discipline.
• 4+ years of engineering experience in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Experience designing electrical control systems.
• PLC programming experience using Allen-Bradley / Rockwell platforms.
• Experience with industrial automation systems and controls.
• Knowledge of electrical CAD software.
• Experience managing engineering projects from design through implementation.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work onsite in Lexington, SC.

Responsibilities

• Own the electrical and controls scope for capital projects from design through startup.
• Design electrical control systems for new and existing equipment.
• Develop and modify PLC and HMI programs.
• Create electrical drawings and control system documentation.
• Manage automation projects from concept through installation and startup.
• Coordinate equipment procurement and supplier activities.
• Develop project budgets, schedules, and engineering estimates.
• Lead equipment commissioning, validation, and production startup.
• Support maintenance teams with training on new systems.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, contractors, and engineering teams.
• Participate in equipment acceptance, troubleshooting, and CI initiatives.

Skills

Electrical design

PLC programming

HMI development

Project management

Communication

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

SEE Electrical

Rockwell Motion Control

Cognex Vision Systems

Keyence Vision Systems

Job description

Automation Engineer - Project

Location: Lexington, KY

Compensation: $102,000/yr. - $115,000/yr.

Build the Automation Systems That Power Advanced Manufacturing

Are you an Automation or Electrical Engineer who enjoys seeing projects through from concept to startup?

We're seeking a Project Automation Engineer to lead the electrical and automation portions of major capital projects at a highly automated manufacturing facility in the Lexington, SC area. This is an opportunity to work on large-scale equipment installations, automation upgrades, robotics, industrial controls, and state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies while making a visible impact on plant operations.

If you enjoy solving technical challenges, managing projects from design through commissioning, and working alongside experienced engineering teams, we'd love to speak with you.

What You'll Do

As a Project Automation Engineer, you'll own the electrical and controls scope for capital projects, including:

• Design electrical control systems for new and existing manufacturing equipment
• Develop and modify PLC and HMI programs
• Create electrical drawings and control system documentation
• Manage automation projects from concept through installation and startup
• Coordinate equipment procurement and supplier activities
• Develop project budgets, schedules, and engineering estimates
• Lead equipment commissioning, validation, and production startup
• Support maintenance teams by providing training on newly installed systems
• Work closely with production, maintenance, contractors, and engineering teams
• Participate in equipment acceptance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives

Technology You'll Work With

You'll have the opportunity to work with modern industrial automation technologies including:

• Allen-Bradley / Rockwell PLCs
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs)
• Motion Control Systems
• PanelView HMIs
• Ladder Logic
• Structured Text
• Industrial Ethernet Networks
• ControlNet
• Data Highway+
• Vision Systems
• Robotics
• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
• Industrial Presses
• Conveyance Systems

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical discipline
• 4+ years of engineering experience in an industrial manufacturing environment (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Experience designing electrical control systems
• PLC programming experience using Allen-Bradley / Rockwell platforms
• Experience with industrial automation systems and controls
• Knowledge of electrical CAD software
• Experience managing engineering projects from design through implementation
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work onsite in Lexington, SC

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with any of the following is highly desirable:

• AutoCAD Electrical
• SEE Electrical
• Rockwell Motion Control
• Control Techniques
• SEW MOVIMOT
• Cognex Vision Systems
• Keyence Vision Systems
• Gocator
• Robotics (Fanuc or ABB)
• Capital project management
• Equipment commissioning and startup
• Manufacturing process automation

Why You'll Like This Opportunity

• Long-term project work with excellent stability
• Opportunity to work on major capital investments
• Exposure to cutting-edge industrial automation technologies
• Highly collaborative engineering environment
• Work that takes projects from concept through startup
• Competitive compensation
• Potential contract-to-hire opportunity for the right individual

Schedule

• Monday-Friday
• Full-time onsite
• Occasional weekend or holiday work during equipment installations and plant shutdowns
• Approximately 5% travel