Senior Automation / Controls Engineer

Asterism IT Solutions; Florence (SC); On-site; USD 69,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Asterism IT Solutions is seeking a Senior Automation / Controls Engineer in Florence, SC to lead automation design and deployment in a manufacturing setting. The role emphasizes hands-on PLC programming, robotics integration, HMI development, and system optimization for production readiness.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience across automation projects from concept to production, strong safety and cybersecurity awareness, and the ability to guide cross-functional teams in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• 8+ years in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, robotics integration, or industrial equipment development.
• Strong experience leading automation capital projects from concept through production implementation.
• Expert-level PLC programming, robot programming/integration, and machine safety knowledge.
• Experience with manufacturing system integration and production-critical equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of automation and controls systems for manufacturing operations.
• Develop and maintain PLC architecture, HMI applications, motion control systems, robotics, and industrial networks.
• Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning and production stabilization.
• Define hardware specifications, establish programming standards, and support system validation.
• Support equipment procurement, supplier evaluations, FAT/SAT, and final acceptance.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, IT/OT, and external suppliers.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics integration

HMI

Motion control

Industrial networks

Machine safety

Manufacturing system integration

Troubleshooting

IIoT

Industry 4.0

Project leadership

Job description

Job Title: Senior Automation / Controls Engineer
Location: Florence, SC
Employment Type: Contract – W2
Pay Rate: $50–$55/hr on W2
Experience: 8+ years

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation / Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, implementation, commissioning, and optimization of advanced automation and control systems within a manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands‑on expertise in PLC programming, robotics, HMI, motion control, industrial networks, machine safety, and manufacturing system integration, along with experience leading automation projects from concept through production implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of automation and controls systems for manufacturing operations.
• Develop and maintain PLC architecture, HMI applications, motion control systems, robotics, industrial networks, and machine safety solutions.
• Lead automation projects from concept and technical specifications through commissioning and production stabilization.
• Design controls architecture, define hardware specifications, establish programming standards, and support system validation.
• Support industrial robot integration, programming, end‑of‑arm tooling, cell optimization, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
• Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, IT/OT, Supply Chain, and external suppliers.
• Support equipment procurement, including technical specifications, supplier evaluations, technical reviews, FAT, SAT, and final acceptance.
• Establish automation and controls standards focused on equipment reliability, maintainability, cybersecurity, and operational support.
• Drive digital manufacturing initiatives involving IIoT, machine monitoring, data collection, remote diagnostics, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Support new product introductions through process automation, equipment development, manufacturing system integration, and production readiness.
• Identify productivity improvements through robotics, vision systems, automated material handling, error‑proofing, and equipment modernization.
• Analyze equipment performance and implement improvements to increase OEE, throughput, yield, and labor efficiency while reducing downtime.
• Provide technical leadership during installation, startup, debugging, safety validation, commissioning, and production ramp‑up.
• Mentor engineers, technicians, and maintenance teams on automation, robotics, controls troubleshooting, and problem‑solving practices.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, robotics integration, or industrial equipment development.
• Strong experience leading automation capital projects from concept through production implementation.
• Expert‑level experience with:
  • PLC programming
  • Controls architecture
  • Robot programming/integration
  • Machine safety
  • Manufacturing system integration
• Experience working with production‑critical equipment in high‑volume or complex manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing automation suppliers, system integrators, equipment builders, and technical service partners.
• Strong troubleshooting, commissioning, debugging, and production‑support experience.

Preferred Industry Background

• Industrial Manufacturing
• Factory Automation / Robotics
• Automotive or Heavy Equipment Manufacturing
• Material Handling
• Complex Assembly Manufacturing

Additional Details

Location: Florence, SC
Work Arrangement: On‑site manufacturing environment
Pay: $50–$55/hr on W2
Experience: 8+ years