Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Job Description

The Automation Engineer will support, maintain, and troubleshoot plant automation systems in a highly technical manufacturing environment. This role focuses on ensuring reliable operation of programmable logic controllers, human machine interfaces, motion and drive systems, industrial communication networks, and a wide range of electronic control components. The engineer will contribute to process improvements, automation enhancements, manufacturing efficiency, and large-scale production operations.

Responsibilities

• Support, troubleshoot, and maintain plant automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, servo systems, servo drives, and variable frequency drives.

• Diagnose and resolve issues with digital and analog I/O systems and process control signals such as 4–20 mA, 0–10 V, and discrete I/O.

• Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot industrial communication networks, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, and related protocols.

• Support and maintain motion control systems and encoders to ensure accurate and reliable machine motion.

• Troubleshoot and repair electronic components such as relays, relay logic, AC/DC power supplies, contactors, and motor starters.

• Maintain and repair various industrial sensors, including photoelectric, proximity, pressure, temperature, flow, and level sensors.

• Work with timers, counters, signal conditioners, terminal blocks, fuses, breakers, and protection devices to ensure safe and reliable operation.

• Support and troubleshoot control transformers and interface modules within control panels and automation systems.

• Collaborate with other engineers and plant personnel to improve automation reliability, process performance, and manufacturing efficiency.

• Apply PLC troubleshooting and programming skills to resolve equipment issues, minimize downtime, and optimize production processes.

• Document troubleshooting steps, system changes, and improvements to support knowledge sharing and future maintenance activities.

• Work proactively in an environment with older equipment, identifying root causes of recurring issues and recommending long-term solutions.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience in PLC troubleshooting in an industrial or manufacturing setting.

• Hands-on experience with PLC troubleshooting and basic PLC programming.

• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.

• Ability to troubleshoot and support HMIs, servo systems, servo drives, and AC/DC variable frequency drives.

• Knowledge of digital and analog I/O systems and process control signals, including 4–20 mA, 0–10 V, and discrete I/O.

• Experience with industrial communication networks such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus.

• Ability to troubleshoot motion control systems and encoders.

• Strong understanding of electronic components, including relays, relay logic, AC/DC power supplies, contactors, and motor starters.

• Experience working with industrial sensors such as photoelectric, proximity, pressure, temperature, flow, and level sensors.

• Familiarity with timers, counters, signal conditioners, terminal blocks, fuses, breakers, and protection devices.

• Ability to read, interpret, and work with control transformers and interface modules.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on complex automation issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the flavors or fragrance industry is a plus.

• Exposure to process improvement and automation optimization projects.

• Interest in supporting product development and large-scale production operations in a technical environment.

• Comfort working with older automation equipment and legacy systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Princeton, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

Health & Wellness Medical insurance (PPO and HDHP options) Dental & vision insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Life insurance & AD&D Short‑ and long‑term disability Extra mental health benefits and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (glassdoor.com), (careers.usnews.com) Financial & Retirement 401(k) retirement plan (with employer match, varies by plan/era) Performance bonuses (role‑dependent) Tuition reimbursement / education assistance Equity or incentive plans (eligible roles) (glassdoor.com), (careers.usnews.com)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Princeton,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 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.