Sr. Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

The Automation Engineer will support industrial automation projects within a factory automation and PLC services environment, with a strong focus on the integration, development, and commissioning of Siemens PLC-based control systems for industrial and process manufacturing applications. This role will design and enhance control solutions, configure HMI and SCADA systems, support commissioning and startup activities, and provide ongoing lifecycle support for existing installations.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, integrate, and troubleshoot Siemens PLC-based control systems for OEM skids and custom process equipment, with Siemens as the primary platform.
• Develop, modify, and maintain PLC applications, ensuring robust, reliable, and maintainable control logic for industrial and process manufacturing systems.
• Configure and modify HMI and SCADA systems to interface effectively with Siemens PLC architectures.
• Support system commissioning and startup activities, including onsite troubleshooting to resolve control system and integration issues.
• Assist with Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs), ensuring systems meet functional and performance requirements.
• Maintain and update system documentation, including functional specifications, control narratives, I/O lists, and associated drawings.
• Provide lifecycle and staff augmentation support by updating existing control strategies, implementing small-scale expansions, and delivering system enhancements.
• Contribute to process optimization efforts by adjusting control strategies and system configurations to improve performance and reliability.
• Configure historian systems and third-party integrations, including OPC-based interfaces and gateways, to ensure reliable data collection and system interoperability.
• Review vendor control panel and instrumentation design packages to verify compliance with project requirements and best practices.
• Support control panel installations and coordinate with contractors to ensure proper installation and integration with field devices and systems.
• Perform PLC migrations and upgrades, with particular emphasis on Siemens PLC integrations and transitions from legacy platforms.
• Modify existing HMI and SCADA graphics as needed to reflect system changes, improvements, and new functionality.
• Support loop checks, final testing, and startup activities to validate correct wiring, configuration, and operation of control loops and instrumentation.
• Perform typical power, grounding, and instrumentation checks to ensure safe, reliable, and standards-compliant installations.

Essential Skills

• Strong hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs, including design, configuration, integration, troubleshooting, and migrations.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, with a focus on Siemens platforms for industrial and process manufacturing applications.
• Experience configuring and modifying HMI and SCADA systems that interface with Siemens PLC architectures.
• Practical knowledge of industrial automation concepts, including DCS, Rockwell platforms, and general PLC programming.
• Ability to support system commissioning, startup, and onsite troubleshooting in industrial environments.
• Experience assisting with Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs).
• Ability to maintain and update detailed system documentation such as functional specifications, control narratives, I/O lists, and drawings.
• Experience configuring historian systems and OPC-based interfaces or gateways for third-party integrations.
• Capability to review and interpret control panel and instrumentation design packages.
• Knowledge of power, grounding, and instrumentation checks required for safe and reliable control system installations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience providing lifecycle support for automation systems, including updates to existing control strategies and small-scale system expansions.
• Experience in process optimization and continuous improvement through control strategy enhancements.
• Familiarity with coordinating control panel installations and working with contractors in the field.
• Experience modifying and maintaining existing HMI and SCADA graphics to support system changes.
• Prior involvement in PLC migration projects, especially those focused on Siemens PLC integrations.
• Strong documentation and communication skills to clearly convey technical information to project teams and stakeholders.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite in an industrial and process manufacturing environment. The role involves working directly with factory automation equipment, control panels, instrumentation, and PLC-based control systems. The engineer will spend time both in an office setting for design and documentation tasks and on the plant floor for commissioning, testing, loop checks, and troubleshooting. Work may involve collaboration with contractors, vendors, and cross-functional project teams, as well as adherence to standard industrial safety practices and site procedures.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wilson, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $75.00/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 Wilson, NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 15, 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.