Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation EngineerJob Description

This Automation Engineer role focuses on supporting the overall efficiency, reliability, and uptime of automated assembly systems within a manufacturing environment. You will work closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to ensure safe and consistent operation of automation equipment, develop long-term preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assess and maintain machine safety systems to ensure a safe working environment when operating automated equipment.

• Support consistent product quality by ensuring proper operation, calibration, and maintenance of automated systems.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve process and programming challenges.

• Program, troubleshoot, and repair automation equipment, including PLCs and related control systems, as needed.

• Assist maintenance teams with diagnosing and repairing additional equipment across the facility to minimize downtime.

• Perform and coordinate repairs and fabrication work for end-of-arm tooling and related components.

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of automation maintenance, repairs, modifications, and improvements.

• Manage and track spare parts inventory to reduce equipment downtime and improve responsiveness to issues.

• Develop, document, and maintain escalation processes to quickly address equipment issues and critical failures.

• Analyze production data and equipment history to identify trends, drive efficiency improvements, and optimize system performance.

• Communicate downtime events, maintenance concerns, and recurring issues promptly with shift leadership and program teams.

• Work closely with engineering leadership and production support staff on a daily basis to align priorities and support production goals.

• Follow all applicable safety standards, policies, and operating procedures while working with automation and production equipment.

• Take on additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned by leadership to support operational and business needs.

• Demonstrate consistent, dependable, and punctual attendance to ensure reliable support for production operations.

• Maintain and support various automated systems, including automated assembly equipment, robotic systems, labeling machinery, end-of-arm tooling, separators, testing equipment, and other assigned equipment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field such as electrical engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

• 0-3 years of experience in an automation-related role within a manufacturing environment.

• Hands-on experience with automation systems, including troubleshooting and maintenance of production equipment.

• Experience with Allen-Bradley control systems and PLC programming.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in the medical device industry or other highly regulated industries.

• Exposure to clinical or pharmaceutical environments and processes.

• Familiarity with quality systems requirements, including FDA Quality System Regulation, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and ISO standards such as ISO 9002.

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (IASSC or similar) preferred.

• Experience or exposure to medical or pharmaceutical clinical trials is a plus.

• Experience supporting packaging components and delivery systems for injectable drugs or healthcare products is beneficial.

• Ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including standardization, waste reduction, and process optimization.

• Comfort working in a fast-paced production environment with changing priorities and multiple concurrent tasks.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing environment that focuses on packaging components and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products. You will work primarily with automated assembly equipment, robotic systems, labeling machinery, end-of-arm tooling, separators, and testing equipment, as well as other production and support systems. The position follows a 3rd shift schedule, Monday through Friday from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., supporting overnight production operations. The work involves light physical activity, including lifting up to 20 lbs and regularly moving or handling objects around the production floor. You will collaborate closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams in a structured, safety-conscious setting that emphasizes adherence to documented procedures, regulatory requirements, and quality standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Walker, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $40.00/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 fully onsite position in Walker,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 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 jobs.institutedata.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.