Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer III

Job Description

The Automation Engineer III designs, implements, and supports automation and process control systems for new installations, system modifications, and ongoing customer support. This role focuses heavily on on-site work at customer facilities and involves leading complex startups, troubleshooting advanced issues, and mentoring less experienced engineers. The ideal candidate uses a methodical approach to process startup, demonstrates strong leadership, and is proficient with PC-based tools and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Approach process startups in a methodical and structured manner to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation.

• Lead complex automation and process control projects, including new installations, modifications, and system upgrades.

• Work independently in the field to assess, troubleshoot, and resolve service needs under stressful or time-sensitive conditions.

• Diagnose and solve issues in complicated systems and intermittent faults that Automation Engineers have been unable to resolve.

• Collaborate with Systems Architects, Project Engineers, and customers to define project scope, requirements, and technical solutions.

• Own the startup and project scope by providing direct programming and commissioning support from development through deployment.

• Provide direction, guidance, and task delegation to Automation Engineers during project execution.

• Lead and actively participate in team brainstorming sessions to generate, evaluate, and select the best technical solutions and paths forward.

• Think creatively and share innovative ideas while remaining open to input from others and clearly communicating the chosen approach to both team members and customers.

• Perform advanced-level project assignments independently or as part of a team, ensuring quality, timeliness, and alignment with project objectives.

• Review and quality-check other Automation Engineers' work for accuracy, functionality, completeness, and adherence to standards.

• Provide mentoring and coaching to less experienced Automation Engineers, including support with field challenges and conflict resolution.

• Offer constructive quality control feedback to peers, independent of specific project assignments, to promote continuous improvement.

• Support code streamlining initiatives and contribute to building and maintaining a reusable code library for automation projects.

• Promote and support adoption of standardized code practices among automation programmers and help expand the shared code standards.

• Perform PLC and HMI programming from scratch, including configuration, testing, and deployment of control logic and operator interfaces.

• Troubleshoot and optimize PLC, HMI, and related control systems to improve reliability, performance, and maintainability.

• Provide customer support both remotely and on-site, ensuring clear communication, professional conduct, and high levels of customer satisfaction.

• Document work performed, configurations, and changes in a clear and organized manner to support future maintenance and knowledge sharing.

• Perform other related duties as required and assigned to support the broader automation and commissioning team.

Essential Skills

• 5+ years of advanced PLC programming experience, including development from scratch and system startup.

• 5+ years of advanced HMI programming and commissioning experience.

• Hands-on experience with troubleshooting PLC-based control systems and resolving complex, intermittent issues.

• Demonstrated controls engineering experience in industrial automation environments.

• Experience with Rockwell Automation platforms and tools.

• Experience with Ignition or similar industrial automation and SCADA platforms.

• Computer coding experience relevant to automation, integration, or data handling.

• Proficiency in using a PC and Microsoft Office Suite for documentation, reporting, and communication.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to provide direction and guidance to engineers.

• Ability to work independently in the field and make sound decisions under stressful or time-sensitive conditions.

• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for complex automation and process control systems.

• Effective communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and external customers.

• Willingness and ability to travel up to approximately 50% of the time, including day trips and occasional overnight stays.

• Comfort working in both industrial automation environments and data center commissioning and startup contexts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in a relevant technical field or prior military experience.

• Experience supporting data center commissioning and startup projects.

• Experience participating in or leading code standardization and code library initiatives.

• Experience mentoring junior engineers and providing peer quality reviews.

• Ability to contribute creative ideas during technical brainstorming sessions.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documentation and quality checks.

Work Environment

This role involves a mix of remote and field-based work. When not traveling to customer sites, you may work from home, using PC-based tools and Microsoft Office Suite to perform design, programming, documentation, and support activities. Travel consists primarily of in-state day trips, approximately 25-50% of the time, with a majority of customers located in the Fox Valley region. Occasional overnight travel may be required; travel logistics such as hotels, flights, and rental cars are coordinated for you. You will support a growing team that works in both industrial automation and data center commissioning and startup environments, often working on-site at customer facilities during system installation, testing, and startup. The position includes participation in an on-call rotation, typically one week every 1.5 months, to support customer needs and field issues. The work environment emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement, with a focus on delivering high-quality automation solutions and reliable system performance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $55.00/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 hybrid position in Madison,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 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 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.