Automation Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Automation Technician Job Description

The Automation Technician supports the operation, maintenance, and management of process control systems in a regulated manufacturing environment. This role collaborates closely with leadership to ensure processes are robust, people are properly trained, and system uptime requirements are consistently met. The Automation Technician drives process improvements, aligns work with strategic business goals, and ensures that control systems operate safely, reliably, and in compliance with quality and regulatory standards.

• Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair process control system hardware to maintain reliable and stable operations.
• Perform routine, preventative, and predictive maintenance on automation and control systems to minimize downtime.
• Assist in developing and updating maintenance procedures to ensure consistent and effective maintenance practices.
• Support the installation, commissioning, and verification of new control system equipment and upgrades.
• Assist in managing control system hardware inventory to ensure critical components and spare parts are available when needed.
• Support plans to maintain and improve process control systems, including hardware, software, and network components.
• Schedule and execute maintenance and improvement activities in coordination with production schedules to minimize impact on operations.
• Support technical clarifications with suppliers and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and ensure alignment on technical requirements.
• Work closely with external vendors and contractors to solve automation-related problems and implement agreed solutions.
• Own personal self-development and take initiative to build a deep understanding of site process control systems.
• Adhere to automation and IT standards and maintain training readiness to support ongoing compliance and performance.
• Coach and train colleagues and stakeholders in relevant automation topics and develop training materials when necessary.
• Utilize appropriate continuous improvement tools, such as cLEAN® methodologies, to solve problems and enhance processes.
• Implement process improvements with minimal guidance, ensuring changes are effective and sustainable.
• Manage assignments with a strong Quality Mindset, focusing on risk management, mitigation, and adherence to procedures.
• Ensure the quality and integrity of automation systems align with company standards and regulatory expectations.
• Follow established Change Management standards when implementing modifications to control systems and processes.
• Align daily activities and projects with the strategic plan to meet current and future business demands.
• Follow all current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and ensure that products are manufactured according to approved procedures.
• Comply with all safety and environmental requirements while performing duties, promoting a safe and responsible work culture.
• Perform other related accountabilities and tasks as assigned to support departmental and organizational objectives.

• Hands-on experience with automation and process control systems, including inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of control system hardware.
• Practical knowledge of PLC programming and related automation technologies.
• Experience performing routine, preventative, and predictive maintenance on control systems in a production environment.
• Familiarity with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) and working in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Ability to follow and contribute to maintenance procedures and technical documentation.
• Capability to coordinate maintenance and improvement activities with production schedules.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to implement process improvements with limited guidance.
• Demonstrated commitment to a Quality Mindset, including risk management and mitigation in daily work.
• Ability to adhere to automation, IT, and Change Management standards.
• Effective communication skills to work with internal stakeholders, suppliers, vendors, and contractors.
• Willingness and ability to coach and train colleagues and develop training materials.
• Strong focus on safety and environmental compliance in all work activities.

• Experience applying cLEAN® or similar continuous improvement tools and methodologies.
• Exposure to FFEx or similar safety and equipment standards in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Experience managing control system hardware inventory and spare parts.
• Background working with external vendors and contractors on automation projects and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated initiative in self-development and learning complex site-specific control systems.
• Familiarity with strategic planning concepts and aligning technical work with broader business objectives.

This role is based on-site in a manufacturing or industrial facility that operates under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs). The Automation Technician works standard Monday through Friday daytime hours, coordinating activities with production schedules and other operational teams. The environment includes process control systems, automation equipment, PLCs, and related instrumentation and hardware. Work involves hands-on interaction with equipment, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and regular engagement with vendors and contractors. Safety and environmental compliance are integral to daily operations, and employees follow established safety procedures and guidelines while working in production and technical areas.

This is a Permanent position based out of Clayton, NC.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $48.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Clayton,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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 View email address on ziprecruiter.com 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.