Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation EngineerJob Description

This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant automation systems, including PLCs, robotics, AGV/EGV, and material handling. The position requires providing technical leadership in programming, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement to reduce downtime and enhance productivity.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems, maintaining control logic and safety functions.

• Support the design, integration, and optimization of robotics to improve safety and efficiency.

• Develop preventive maintenance plans, lead root cause analysis, and enhance asset reliability metrics such as MTBF and OEE.

• Manage automation-related CAPEX projects and drive Industry 4.0 and Lean initiatives.

• Ensure systems comply with OSHA and company standards, implementing safety PLCs and machine guarding.

• Maintain schematics, SOPs, and CMMS records, and provide training for technicians and operators on automation systems.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering or equivalent experience.

• 3-5+ years of experience in industrial automation and PLC programming.

• Experience with Allen-Bradley, Siemens, robotics, AGV/EGV systems, and CMMS.

• Strong hands-on troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively across teams.

• Commitment to safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving skills.

• Effective communication across maintenance, production, and engineering.

• High ownership of reliability, uptime, and documentation discipline.

• Willingness to challenge legacy processes and drive improvement.

• Ability to interpret electrical drawings and P&IDs.

• Experience working with external integrators/OEMs.

Work Environment

The work environment includes working with various automation technologies and equipment, maintaining safety standards, and adhering to company protocols. The role requires effective communication and collaboration with different teams within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Adhering to the plant's safety protocols and standardizing hardware/software across the plant are essential.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago Heights, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $57.00/hr.

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 Chicago Heights,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 3, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.