Automation Technician

ACTalent; Marion (IA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking an Automation Technician to support data centers and local industrial clients. The role involves hands-on work with PLC-controlled systems tied to power, cooling, and facility infrastructure, including troubleshooting, commissioning, and startup of control panels and automation systems.

Travel to Cedar Rapids area and surrounding sites is required. The ideal candidate has an associate degree in automation or related field and hands-on experience with industrial automation,

Qualifications

• Hands-on troubleshooting of automated equipment in industrial settings.
• Familiarity with PLC I/O, sensors, meters and field devices.
• Ability to modify setpoints and alarms in HMI and PLC environments.
• Comfort working at data centers and client sites with safety discipline.

Responsibilities

• Support operation of data centers and industrial client infrastructure.
• Respond to service calls, alarms, and system issues for PLC-controlled equipment.
• Troubleshoot PLC I/O and verify communication from sensors and meters.
• Inspect control panels, wiring, and instrumentation for proper operation.
• Assist with commissioning and startup activities for new equipment.
• Make PLC/HMI adjustments within standards and guidelines.
• Install, wire, test, and commission control panels for power, cooling, and monitoring.
• Work onsite with automation engineers and project managers.
• Travel frequently to local client sites for commissioning and servicing.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and modernization projects.

Skills

Troubleshooting automated equipment

Industrial environment experience

PLC I/O understanding

HMI configuration

Instrumentation knowledge

Safety procedures

Learning automation technologies

Education

Associate degree in automation/robotics

Tools

PLC/SCADA

HMI systems

Job description

Job Title: Automation Technician

Job Description

The Automation Technician supports new data centers and local industrial clients by keeping critical infrastructure operating reliably. This role focuses on hands‑on work with PLC‑controlled systems tied to power, cooling, and facility infrastructure, including troubleshooting, commissioning, and startup of control panels and automation systems. The technician works closely with automation engineers and project managers to ensure data centers and industrial facilities run safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established procedures and documentation.

The Automation Technician supports new data centers and local industrial clients by keeping critical infrastructure operating reliably. This role focuses on hands‑on work with PLC‑controlled systems tied to power, cooling, and facility infrastructure, including troubleshooting, commissioning, and startup of control panels and automation systems. The technician works closely with automation engineers and project managers to ensure data centers and industrial facilities run safely, efficiently, and in accordance with established procedures and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support the operation of new data centers in Cedar Rapids by maintaining and troubleshooting critical infrastructure systems.
• Respond promptly to service calls, alarms, and system issues related to PLC‑controlled equipment and facility infrastructure.
• Troubleshoot PLC I/O, validate signals from field devices, and verify correct communication from sensors, breakers, and meters.
• Inspect and check control panels, wiring, and instrumentation to ensure proper installation and operation.
• Support commissioning and startup activities for new buildings and equipment, including I/O checkout, system testing, and startup verification.
• Make PLC and HMI adjustments such as setpoints, alarms, and configuration changes, within established standards and guidelines.
• Assist with installing, wiring, testing, and commissioning control panels that support power, cooling, and monitoring systems.
• Work hands‑on at data centers and client facilities while following safety procedures, documentation requirements, and standard operating practices.
• Collaborate with automation engineers and project managers onsite to implement, test, and commission automation systems.
• Travel frequently to local client sites to support data center commissioning and industrial client servicing.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by communicating issues, proposing solutions, and supporting modernization and automation expansion projects.

Essential Skills

• Experience troubleshooting automated equipment in an industrial environment.
• Hands‑on experience working in an industrial environment with electrical, mechanical, or automation systems.
• Understanding of PLC I/O systems and field devices, including input/output signals and basic PLC interactions.
• Ability to work with HMI systems to make configuration changes such as setpoints and alarms.
• Fundamental knowledge of instrumentation, electrical, mechanical, and automation concepts.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for PLC‑controlled systems, control panels, wiring, and field devices.
• Ability to follow safety procedures, technical documentation, and standard operating practices in a facility environment.
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn new automation technologies and systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in automation, robotics, or a similar technical field.
• Background in computer science or IT combined with hands‑on experience (such as working on cars, tinkering, farming, woodworking, or similar activities) and an interest in automation.
• Interest in growing into senior engineering, project leadership, or specialized technical roles.
• Desire to work in a collaborative, team‑oriented culture rooted in strong client partnerships.
• Interest in supporting customers in industries such as food and beverage, advanced manufacturing, and industrial processing.
• Motivation to contribute to a rapidly growing project pipeline that includes modernization projects and enterprise MES work.
• Appreciation for an employee‑focused environment that offers ESOP participation and long‑term growth opportunities.

Work Environment

The role is fully onsite in Marion and involves frequent travel to local client sites, including data centers in Cedar Rapids, to implement, test, and commission automation systems. The technician works hands‑on in data centers and industrial facilities, supporting power, cooling, monitoring systems, and other critical infrastructure. The main panel shop in Altoona builds and supports control panels, and these technicians help install, wire, program, test, and commission them. The work environment is highly collaborative and team‑oriented, with close interaction with automation engineers and project managers. Projects span data center commissioning and local industrial client servicing, with a strong focus on safety, adherence to procedures, and thorough documentation. The organization maintains a stable, year‑round workload and continues to grow geographically, offering a dynamic setting with exposure to modern automation technologies and expanding automation capabilities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Marion, IA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Marion,IA.

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.