Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

This Automation Engineer role provides hands-on, line-side support for highly automated manufacturing equipment, ensuring production systems run safely, efficiently, and at peak performance. You will focus on automation troubleshooting, PLC diagnostics, collaborative robotics support, and electro-mechanical maintenance, while playing a key role in equipment recovery, preventative maintenance, continuous improvement, and the scaling of automation capabilities across the operation.

Responsibilities

• Provide line-side support for production automation equipment, focusing on motors, belts, drives, conveyors, sensors, and electro-mechanical systems rather than facility infrastructure.
• Perform rapid equipment fault recovery, conduct root cause analysis, and restore systems to stable operation to protect uptime and throughput.
• Read and analyze PLC ladder logic to diagnose issues and support safe, effective troubleshooting.
• Perform basic PLC program adjustments and modifications to optimize equipment performance and resolve recurring issues.
• Safely access, inspect, and troubleshoot industrial control panels in accordance with electrical safety standards and procedures.
• Teach, troubleshoot, and calibrate collaborative robots using teach pendants and remote programming tools.
• Apply safe robot operation practices, including proper use of dead-man switches, jogging modes, and controlled environments.
• Replace motors, drives, belts, tubes, and other mechanical and electrical components as part of corrective and preventative maintenance.
• Fine-tune conveyor parameters, verify system performance, and confirm that automated lines operate within defined specifications.
• Follow and enforce safety and compliance practices, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, and industrial electrical safety protocols.
• Collaborate closely with automation engineers, robotics teams, operations, supervisors, and leadership to resolve issues and support production goals.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and future automation expansion, not only maintenance, by sharing insights from line-side experience.
• Use HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial diagnostic software to monitor equipment, identify faults, and implement corrective actions.
• Support shift or on-call coverage as needed to maintain production uptime in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience supporting production automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with automation systems, including motors, drives, conveyors, sensors, and electro-mechanical equipment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming concepts, including the ability to read and analyze PLC ladder logic.
• Ability to perform basic PLC program adjustments and modifications on platforms such as Siemens or Allen-Bradley (Rockwell) or similar.
• Experience safely accessing and troubleshooting industrial control panels.
• Practical experience teaching, troubleshooting, and calibrating collaborative robots using teach pendants and remote tools.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Technology, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with Siemens, Allen-Bradley (Rockwell), or comparable PLC platforms in production environments.
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies in high-volume or advanced manufacturing settings such as electronics, automotive, robotics, or fulfillment.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and automation expansion projects.
• Interest in developing advanced automation and robotics skills that support long-term career growth in modern manufacturing.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment where troubleshooting directly impacts uptime, throughput, and safety.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Whitsett, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65000.00 - $114000.00/yr. 401k 6% PTO Discretionary Annual Bonus

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Whitsett,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 16, 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.