Automation Technician

Actalent; Dubuque (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent seeks an Automation Technician for a Dubuque, IA onsite contract role. Two-year degree or equivalent experience required; you will pursue a Class A Journeyman license if in the electrical program.

The job emphasizes hands-on maintenance, problem-solving, and continuous learning in a heavy manufacturing environment. You will troubleshoot advanced electrical/mechanical systems, work with PLCs, Drives, Servo, HMI, CNC, pneumatics, robotics, and engage in basic project management tasks

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in a related field or equivalent past work experience.
• Basic PC skills (MS Windows).
• Understanding of electrical components and advanced electrical/mechanical systems.
• Troubleshooting in mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, and PLC systems.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds.
• Willingness to pursue Class A Journeyman license if in the electrical program.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate technical expertise in maintenance functions.
• Understand and troubleshoot issues of basic complexity in advanced electrical and mechanical systems, including PLCs, Drives, Servo, HMI, and CNC.
• Work with pneumatics, automation, and robotics.
• Engage in basic project management tasks.
• Handle hazardous waste while wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Perform occasional heavy lifting, replace motors, pumps, and extruder screws using provided equipment.
• Perform repetitive actions such as simple staring, grasping, firm grasping, and fine manipulating with both hands.
• Work outdoors and in confined space conditions, occasionally working at heights from ladders and platforms.
• Handle various chemicals and work near energized electric circuits and hot equipment/materials.

Job description

Job Title: Automation Technician

We are seeking an Automation Technician with a strong customer focus and proven technical expertise in maintenance functions. This role requires either a two-year degree in a related field or equivalent past work experience. The ideal candidate will have basic PC skills, especially in MS Windows, and must be committed to continued technical training each year. The position involves working towards a Class A Journeyman license if in the electrical program, and requires an understanding of electrical components and advanced electrical/mechanical systems.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate technical expertise in maintenance functions.
• Understand and troubleshoot issues of basic complexity in advanced electrical and mechanical systems, including PLCs, Drives, Servo, HMI, and CNC.
• Work with pneumatics, automation, and robotics.
• Engage in basic project management tasks.
• Handle hazardous waste while wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Perform occasional heavy lifting, replace motors, pumps, and extruder screws using provided equipment.
• Perform repetitive actions such as simple staring, grasping, firm grasping, and fine manipulating with both hands.
• Work outdoors and in confined space conditions, occasionally working at heights from ladders and platforms.
• Handle various chemicals and work near energized electric circuits and hot equipment/materials.

Essential Skills

• Two years of experience in a related field or equivalent past work experience.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in maintenance functions.
• Basic PC skills (MS Windows).
• Understanding of electrical components and advanced electrical/mechanical systems.
• Basic project management skills.
• Troubleshooting skills in mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, and PLC systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Working towards a Class A Journeyman license if in the electrical program.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry objects up to 100 pounds.
• Capability to squat, crawl, reach above shoulders, kneel, and balance.
• Experience working with various chemicals and handling hazardous waste.

Work Environment

This role is based in a heavy manufacturing environment with a transformative project underway, impacting multiple departments including manufacturing, quality, design, and IT. The team values hands-on problem-solving and continuous improvement. The work schedule includes two shifts: two positions on the first shift and two on the second shift. The work involves meeting tight deadlines, and you may be required to work outside and in confined spaces, wearing the proper PPE.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Dubuque, IA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.90 - $36.13/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 &DD 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 Dubuque,IA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 1, 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.