Lead System Engineer

Automation Engineer

The Automation Engineer will integrate, automate, and troubleshoot control systems for a diverse range of customers. This role focuses on modifying and developing code in Rockwell platforms, designing control systems, and supporting projects from concept through commissioning. The Automation Engineer typically works on one project at a time but may occasionally manage up to two or three concurrent projects within a short timeframe, ensuring high-quality delivery and strong customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with clients during design meetings and conference calls to gather requirements, clarify specifications, and provide technical guidance.
• Work as part of a project team, leading less experienced engineers while taking direction from the project manager or lead engineer.
• Program controllers using Rockwell and Siemens PLC platforms to implement automation solutions that meet customer needs.
• Design electrical control cabinets and panels, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and best practices.
• Create and review electrical designs, including panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and control schematics.
• Support panel wiring activities by providing clear documentation and technical direction.
• Configure and test control systems to verify proper functionality, performance, and reliability before deployment.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to PLC programs, control systems, and electrical designs during development, testing, and commissioning.
• Travel to client sites for project meetings to support design reviews, progress updates, and technical discussions.
• Travel to client sites for system commissioning, including system startup, testing, and handover to the customer.
• Assist in managing project timelines and deliverables to ensure successful completion from start to finish.
• Maintain clear and accurate project documentation, including configurations, test results, and design changes.

Essential Skills

• Engineering degree in a relevant discipline such as electrical, controls, or automation engineering.
• 2–8 years of professional experience in automation, controls engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 2 years of hands-on experience demonstrating proficiency with Rockwell platforms.
• Strong experience with PLC programming, including Rockwell and Siemens PLCs.
• Proficiency in designing electrical control cabinets and panels.
• Experience with electrical design, including panel design and panel wiring.
• Solid understanding of control systems and automation principles.
• Ability to configure, test, and validate control system functionality.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for PLCs, control systems, and electrical designs.
• Ability to lead less experienced engineers while effectively following direction from project leadership.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time to client sites.
• Strong communication skills for interfacing with clients and collaborating with project teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working directly with customers in design meetings and technical discussions.
• Experience in commissioning automation systems at client sites.
• Familiarity with both office-based engineering work and on-site manufacturing environments.
• Ability to manage multiple projects within short timeframes while maintaining quality and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to documentation and configuration control.

Work Environment

The role is primarily based in a clean office environment where the Automation Engineer performs design, programming, and documentation work using modern engineering tools and software. The position also includes periodic visits to manufacturing environments, where the engineer can see products and systems come to life during installation and commissioning. Travel to client sites, up to approximately 25% of the time, is required for project meetings and system commissioning activities. The work involves collaboration with project teams, interaction with clients, and hands-on engagement with control systems, electrical panels, and automation equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Aurora, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $62.50/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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.