Automation Engineer

Piper Companies is seeking an Automation Engineer to join a growing engineering team supporting large-scale data center, pharmaceutical, and life sciences projects. This individual will be responsible for designing and developing industrial automation systems, creating electrical and control panel drawings, supporting Allen-Bradley PLC implementations, and assisting with projects from design through commissioning. This is a direct-hire opportunity based in Charlotte, NC, with approximately 30% travel to client sites throughout the Southeast and Midwest.

Responsibilities for the Automation Engineer

• Design and develop industrial automation and control systems for data center, pharmaceutical, and life sciences facilities.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and project documentation using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Configure, troubleshoot, and support Allen-Bradley PLC systems and Rockwell Automation hardware.
• Design control panels, select components, and ensure proper system integration and wiring practices.
• Lead design efforts on major automation projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Support projects through design, testing, startup, commissioning, and client implementation.
• Travel to customer sites approximately 30% of the time to assist with project execution and troubleshooting.

Qualifications for the Automation Engineer

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• 2-5 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or electrical design engineering.
• Strong experience with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN for controls and electrical design.
• Extensive hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and Rockwell Automation products.
• Strong understanding of Rockwell part numbers, component selection, and control panel wiring.
• Experience designing industrial control panels and electrical systems.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 30% for project work.
• Experience developing automated engineering workflows or design automation tools is highly preferred.
• PLC programming experience is a plus but is not required.

Compensation for the Automation Engineer

• Salary Range: $95,000 - $115,000 + bonus
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), and applicable sick leave

Keywords: Industrial automation, controls engineering, AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, Allen-Bradley PLC, Rockwell Automation, PLC programming, control panel design, panel wiring, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, system integration, industrial control systems, controls design, commissioning, startup support, troubleshooting, HMI, SCADA, automation systems, project execution, testing, process improvement, design automation, workflow automation, data centers, pharmaceutical, life sciences, component selection, electrical drawings, instrumentation and controls, project leadership, mentoring, continuous improvement, field support, industrial electrical systems, automation workflows, engineering efficiency, controls systems integration, electrical controls, automation project management.

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This job is open for applications on 9/18/2026 and will remain open for at least 30 days from the posting date