Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer GMP Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Job Description

This Automation Engineer role focuses on designing, implementing, commissioning, and supporting automation systems within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. You will work hands-on with control systems and PLCs to enhance efficiency, product quality, and reliability in a highly technical, process-driven setting.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and support automation systems within a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

• Execute automation commissioning and validation protocols for process and control systems.

• Troubleshoot and remediate commissioning and validation non-conformances in a timely and thorough manner.

• Collaborate with internal engineering teams and client stakeholders to improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and overall process profitability.

• Define, configure, and implement programmable logic controller (PLC) solutions, with a focus on Rockwell/Allen-Bradley platforms.

• Conduct testing, on-site commissioning, and qualification of control systems to ensure reliable operation and regulatory compliance.

• Provide hands-on troubleshooting support for Rockwell PLCs and related automation hardware and software.

• Work independently to execute assignments with minimal supervision while maintaining high standards of documentation and compliance.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Electrical Technology.

• 28 years of experience in automation engineering or a closely related field.

• Hands-on experience troubleshooting Rockwell PLCs and Allen-Bradley control systems.

• Demonstrated controls engineering experience in a GMP-regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.

• Strong troubleshooting skills for control systems, PLC configurations, and automation-related issues.

• Ability to execute assignments with little supervision or direction while meeting project deadlines and quality standards.

• Experience with commissioning, validation, and qualification of automation and control systems.

• Working knowledge of GMP requirements and their application to pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Rockwell and Allen-Bradley automation platforms in form-fill or similar process manufacturing applications.

• Experience in process manufacturing and an understanding of how automation impacts efficiency, product quality, and profitability.

• Comfort collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams and external clients on complex technical projects.

• Ability to work effectively on high-profile, long-term projects with evolving requirements.

• Interest in ongoing career opportunities across multiple projects and facilities.

Work Environment

This role is based on-site in a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility consisting of multiple interconnected buildings and advanced process equipment. You will work alongside a team of approximately five other automation engineers, collaborating closely on complex control systems in a highly regulated GMP environment. The position follows a compressed workweek schedule, with 4×10-hour shifts that are highly likely to fall on the weekend. Typical day shift hours are Thursday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and typical night shift hours are Thursday through Sunday, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. The facility emphasizes high quality, high efficiency, and highly reliable manufacturing solutions, offering exposure to cutting-edge automation technologies and long-term project opportunities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charlotte, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $65.00/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 Charlotte,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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.