Automation Specialist

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

Job summary

Actalent in Angier, NC seeks an Automation Specialist to design, build, test, and document PLC-based control systems for continuous monitoring projects. You’ll work on Allen‑Bradley PLCs and HMIs, with up to 25% travel for onsite commissioning and training.

The role emphasizes hands-on programming, debugging, and system integration, with a path from contract to permanent hire. This onsite position supports a broad range of industrial and environmental monitoring applications.

Qualifications

• Two years of PLC programming experience with Studio 5000.
• Proficient in HMI development for Allen-Bradley platforms.
• Experience with MODBUS and industrial communications.
• Onsite installation, startup, and commissioning experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance PLC ladder logic for Allen-Bradley controllers.
• Develop and improve HMI applications for effective operator interaction.
• Configure communications gateways for reliable field-to-PLC connectivity.
• Participate in FAT and onsite installation, startup, and commissioning.
• Support design improvements for monitoring systems and electrical equipment.
• Provide tech support and troubleshooting for internal and external teams.
• Follow drawings and instructions to implement control solutions.
• Collaborate with a team to meet project goals and timelines.
• Communicate complex concepts clearly to vendors and users.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

MODBUS

Electrical wiring

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Engineering background

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI software

Job description

Job Title: Automation Specialist

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.
• 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.
• Experience 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.

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 Oct 12, 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.

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