Automation Specialist

Actalent; Angier (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

HSA

Transportation benefits

PTO & Leave

Job summary

Actalent in Angier, NC seeks an Automation Specialist to design, build, test, and document PLC-based control systems for continuous emissions monitoring. You will focus on software and hardware integration, FAT, and on-site commissioning at industrial facilities.

You will travel up to 25% for installation, training, and start-up activities, collaborating with vendors and internal teams to ensure reliable system performance and clear documentation.

Qualifications

• Two+ years PLC programming with Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 for ControlLogix/CompactLogix.
• Strong HMI development for Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Knowledge of analog/digital signal measurement and control.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance PLC ladder logic for monitoring systems.
• Develop and support HMI applications for end users.
• Configure communications gateways for PLC field devices.
• Participate in FAT of products and systems before shipment.
• Assist onsite installation, startup, and commissioning.
• Improve monitoring system design and operation at client sites.
• Provide troubleshooting for internal and external teams.
• Follow diagrams and drawings to perform work.
• Collaborate in a team to meet project goals.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to vendors and staff.

Skills

PLC programming (Studio 5000)

HMI development

Industrial communications

Wiring techniques

Documentation

Teamwork

MS Office

Clear communication

On-site support

Education

Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Studio 5000

HMI software

MODBUS protocols

Job description

Job Description

As an Automation Specialist, you will play a key role in supporting the design, build, quality testing, and documentation of continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS). You will focus on the technical design, configuration, and testing of programmable logic controller (PLC) based control systems, followed by integration of these systems at customer sites. This position involves up to 25% travel to support system integration, commissioning, and training at industrial locations. You will contribute directly to delivering high-quality monitoring system solutions and advancing a culture of technical excellence.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance existing PLC ladder logic programs for Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix PLC-based monitoring systems.
• Maintain and improve Allen-Bradley Human-Machine Interface (HMI) applications to provide effective end-user interaction with PLCs.
• Configure and support communications gateway devices to enable reliable command and control between field devices and PLCs.
• Participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of completed products and systems prior to shipment to customer sites.
• Assist with onsite installation, startup, and commissioning activities at industrial facilities.
• Contribute to ongoing improvements in the design and operation of monitoring systems, instruments, controls, metering, and electrical equipment installed at customer locations.
• Provide communications and control system support and troubleshooting for internal teams and external customers.
• Perform work according to logic diagrams, electrical and mechanical drawings, sketches, and other written instructions.
• Collaborate in a team-oriented environment to achieve project and company goals.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly with vendors, internal staff, and end users using both written and verbal communication.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of two (2) years of PLC programming experience using Allen-Bradley Studio 5000 Logix Designer software for ControlLogix and CompactLogix processors.
• Strong proficiency in hardware-based HMI development for Allen-Bradley platforms.
• In-depth knowledge of digital and analog process signal measurement and control as they relate to programmable logic controllers.
• Experience with industrial communications protocols such as MODBUS and similar technologies.
• Working knowledge of wiring techniques for analog and digital PLC communication modules.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to vendors, internal staff, and end users in both written and verbal form.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and contribute to shared goals.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Undergraduate university degree or equivalent relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience with Studio 5000 and related automation programming tools.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in automation engineering across controls, instrumentation, electrical systems, commissioning, and field support.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and related electrical and control systems.
• Background working on industrial and environmental monitoring projects is beneficial.
• Comfort working across the full project lifecycle, from design through commissioning and field support.
• Interest in developing a broad technical skill set in automation, instrumentation, and electrical systems.
• Ability to work on meaningful projects where individual contributions are visible and impactful.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in technical documentation and system configuration.

Work Environment

This role is primarily onsite, with some flexibility for remote work depending on project needs. The position requires comfort with approximately 25% travel to industrial customer locations for installation, commissioning, and training activities. You will work in environments that include controls, instrumentation, electrical systems, and field support settings, gaining exposure to the full project lifecycle from design through onsite implementation. The culture emphasizes employee ownership, visible contributions, and opportunities to build a broad technical skill set while working on impactful industrial and environmental projects. Dress and personal protective equipment expectations will align with standard industrial and field work practices at customer facilities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Angier, NC.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $48.00/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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Angier,NC. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.

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.