Automation Engineer

Automation EngineerThe Automation Engineer supports the deployment and optimization of automation solutions within a manufacturing environment, driving operational readiness, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. This role develops and maintains automation documentation and training, collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, and leverages Industry 4.0 technologies, data visualization, and lean principles to enhance equipment performance, reliability, and usability. The position offers a career-focused opportunity in a growing site with advanced equipment, strong benefits, and significant investment in modern manufacturing capabilities.ResponsibilitiesSupport the operational readiness, commissioning, and deployment of automation solutions in a manufacturing environment.Develop clear and comprehensive documentation, standard work instructions, and training materials for automation systems and tools.Provide training and guidance to production and engineering teams to ensure effective and safe use of automated equipment and systems.Incorporate customer and internal stakeholder feedback into visual factory concepts and automation solutions to improve usability and performance.Collaborate closely with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to identify and address manufacturing challenges using automation and data-driven solutions.Analyze automation and machine-performance data to improve equipment utilization, reliability, and overall throughput.Develop, maintain, and enhance dashboards and reports for key manufacturing KPIs, including cycle time, throughput, downtime, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).Utilize data visualization tools to translate complex manufacturing data into actionable insights for management and shop-floor personnel.Leverage knowledge of manufacturing systems such as MES, ERP, and SCADA to integrate automation solutions and ensure data integrity and system interoperability.Apply lean manufacturing principles and process optimization techniques to ensure automation solutions meet operational efficiency, reliability, and usability requirements.Work with manufacturing data sources such as sensor data, equipment logs, and quality metrics to identify trends, root causes, and opportunities for improvement.Stay current with manufacturing automation, analytics, Industry 4.0 technologies, and IoT, AI, and machine learning applications to recommend and implement innovative solutions.Manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment and adapt automation strategies to changing business needs and product demands.Communicate effectively with management, engineering teams, shop-floor personnel, and customers to align expectations, share progress, and drive successful project outcomes.Essential SkillsBachelors degree in Engineering or a related technical field.At least 3 years of relevant experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.Experience in environments involving automated and/or manual assembly operations.Hands-on experience deploying automation solutions within a manufacturing setting.Proficiency with data visualization tools and developing dashboards and reports for manufacturing KPIs.Working knowledge of manufacturing systems such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).Experience with SQL for querying and managing manufacturing and automation data.Experience with Power BI for building and maintaining interactive reports and dashboards.Experience with Ignition or similar industrial automation and SCADA platforms.Experience with Python or equivalent programming languages for data analysis, scripting, or automation.Strong understanding of machine automation, manufacturing processes, and process optimization.Ability to analyze automation and machine-performance data to improve equipment utilization and reliability.Ability to communicate effectively with management, engineering teams, shop-floor personnel, and customers.Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing principles and methodologies.Familiarity with Six Sigma principles and continuous improvement practices.Knowledge of Industry 4.0 technologies, including IoT, AI, and machine learning applications in manufacturing.Experience working with manufacturing data such as sensor data, equipment logs, and quality metrics.Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions.Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing business needs.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience in aerospace or defense manufacturing is preferred.Experience supporting visual factory initiatives and shop-floor visualization tools.Exposure to advanced manufacturing analytics and real-time performance monitoring.Demonstrated ability to translate technical concepts into clear documentation and training materials.Career-oriented mindset with an interest in long-term growth in an advanced manufacturing environment.Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a manufacturing setting that leverages advanced equipment, automation technologies, and Industry 4.0 tools. The site is experiencing significant growth and investment, providing access to modern resources and a strong backlog of current and evolving products. The position offers a structured benefits package that includes paid time off such as holidays, vacation, and PTO, along with comprehensive benefits. The environment is highly collaborative, with close interaction among production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams, and emphasizes safety, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Asheville, NC.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $52.88 - $57.69/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 DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Asheville, NC.About ActalentActalent 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.