Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer
Job Description
Currently seeking a Automation Engineer to develop, program, and support automation systems used in municipal water, wastewater, and industrial applications. This role is responsible for designing and maintaining PLC-based control systems, supporting SCADA and HMI platforms, troubleshooting automation issues, and assisting with system startup and commissioning activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong experience in industrial automation and controls, with the ability to work closely with engineers, technicians, and customers to deliver reliable, high-quality automation solutions. This position offers the opportunity to work on a variety of infrastructure projects that support essential public utility systems throughout the region.


Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, modify, and troubleshoot PLC programs for water, wastewater, and industrial control systems.
• Configure and support SCADA and HMI systems.
• Test, commission, and support newly installed control systems and equipment.
• Troubleshoot automation, instrumentation, and communication network issues.
• Collaborate with electrical designers, engineers, technicians, and customers to implement control system solutions.
• Support system upgrades, optimization efforts, and ongoing customer needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with PLC programming and industrial automation systems.
• Experience with SCADA and HMI platforms.
• Understanding of electrical control panels, instrumentation, and industrial networking.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Experience within municipal water, wastewater, or industrial environments is a plus.

Work Environment
This role supports automation systems that are critical to municipal operations, providing a stable and purpose-driven work environment. The position initially requires on-site work to collaborate closely with service technicians and engineering teams, with the opportunity to transition to a remote or hybrid schedule (1-2 days per week) after approximately 8-12 months of employment. The organization has a strong track record of stability, with no history of layoffs, and offers opportunities for internal growth and enhanced benefits as part of a larger automation-focused group. Work involves using Rockwell and Allen-Bradley PLC platforms, CompactLogix and MicroLogix controllers, and Wonderware InTouch HMI software, in a professional technical setting focused on reliability, safety, and high-quality support for field operation
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 $35.00 - $50.00/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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Madison,WI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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 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.