Automation Controls Engineer

The Automation & Controls Engineer is tasked with developing and implementing controls and automation solutions to support advanced PCB manufacturing equipment. This role is primarily focused on new automation development, including PLC programming, HMI development, electrical planning/design, robotics, controls architecture, equipment integration, debugging, and commissioning. The engineer will spend approximately 90% of their time on development and 10% on sustainment, initially learning the team's existing systems, software libraries, and standards before independently developing new automation solutions.

• Develop automation and controls solutions for new manufacturing equipment.
• Write, debug, and maintain PLC software, with primary development utilizing Structured Text.
• Develop and configure HMI screens for manufacturing equipment.
• Create electrical plans and designs using electrical planning software and CAD.
• Architect automation solutions for new equipment and manufacturing systems.
• Integrate controls with physical automation equipment including ABB robotics, loaders/unloaders, conveyance systems, buffer systems, and similar automated machinery.
• Work with EtherCAT distributed I/O networks and related industrial communication systems.
• Troubleshoot software, electrical, controls, and electromechanical issues during equipment development.
• Build upon existing software libraries while adhering to established internal software and controls standards.
• Support vendor equipment commissioning and functional acceptance testing.
• Work independently around complex automated manufacturing equipment after completing technical onboarding.

• PLC programming and development experience, with Structured Text strongly preferred.
• Experience in Beckhoff, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, or comparable PLC development.
• Hands-on automation development experience.
• Strong fundamental controls knowledge, including understanding analog vs. digital I/O and broader electrical and controls fundamentals.
• Experience developing HMI applications/screens.
• Experience working with automated physical equipment such as robotics, conveyance systems, loaders/unloaders, buffer systems, and automated manufacturing machinery.
• Ability to troubleshoot and debug software, electrical, mechanical, and controls issues associated with automation systems.

• Degree in engineering or related field preferred.
• Experience with EtherCAT, Siemens PLCs/Profinet, Allen-Bradley PLCs.
• Experience with ABB robotics.
• Proficiency in electrical CAD/electrical planning software.
• Experience architecting controls systems for new machines/equipment.
• Equipment integration and commissioning experience.
• Experience developing automation in automotive manufacturing.

The position is onsite in Bastrop, TX. The standard schedule is approximately 8:00 AM5:00 PM, although some team members work closer to 9:00 AM6:00 PM. There is potential for up to 10 hours of overtime per week.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bastrop, TX.

The pay range for this position is $52.88 - $76.92/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)

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bastrop, TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Bastrop,TX.

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.