Job Description: Automation Controls Engineer
The Automation Controls Engineer is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant automation systems, including PLCs, robotics, AGV/EGV, and material handling equipment. This role provides technical leadership in programming, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement to reduce downtime, improve asset reliability, and enhance overall productivity across the facility.
Responsibilities
Design, program, test, and troubleshoot PLC, HMI, and SCADA systems to ensure stable and efficient plant operations.
Develop, maintain, and optimize control logic, including interlocks, sequencing, alarms, and safety logic, to support production requirements and safety standards.
Support the design, integration, and optimization of robotic systems, including robot programming and end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), to improve safety, throughput, and efficiency.
Implement and support motion control and servo systems, including tuning and troubleshooting, to ensure precise and reliable automated movements.
Work with automated production lines, material handling systems, and AGV/EGV systems to improve flow, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance system reliability.
Lead troubleshooting efforts for automation and control systems to reduce unplanned downtime and improve key reliability metrics such as MTBF and OEE.
Develop and support preventive maintenance programs for automated equipment and ensure accurate documentation in the CMMS.
Act as the plant subject matter expert for automated equipment performance, providing guidance and technical support to maintenance and operations teams.
Manage and support automation-related capital (CAPEX) projects from concept through implementation, ensuring alignment with plant goals and timelines.
Drive Industry 4.0, data collection, and Lean manufacturing initiatives to enhance visibility, efficiency, and continuous improvement in plant operations.
Ensure all automation and control systems meet OSHA requirements and internal safety standards, including LOTO, guarding, and safety PLC implementation.
Apply a "safety by design" approach when modifying or implementing automation solutions, including machine guarding and safety interlocks.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date electrical schematics, control narratives, SOPs, P&IDs, and other technical documentation.
Manage version control and backups for PLC and automation programs to ensure system integrity and rapid recovery when needed.
Train and coach technicians and operators on automation systems, building internal capability and ensuring consistent operation and troubleshooting practices.
Standardize hardware and software platforms across the plant to simplify maintenance, improve reliability, and reduce complexity.
Collaborate effectively with maintenance, production, and engineering teams to prioritize work, resolve issues, and support production goals.
Coordinate with external integrators and OEMs on new installations, upgrades, and system integration projects, ensuring technical requirements and standards are met.
Participate in audits, system reviews, and data analysis activities to identify improvement opportunities and support compliance with internal standards.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering, or equivalent practical experience in industrial automation.
3-5+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation and PLC programming in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Strong expertise in PLC programming, including writing, modifying, and troubleshooting Allen-Bradley and Siemens logic.
Proficiency with HMI and SCADA systems for monitoring, control, and data visualization in an industrial setting.
Experience with robotics programming, integration, and support of robotic systems and end-of-arm tooling.
Experience working with AGV/EGV systems and automated material handling equipment.
Hands-on troubleshooting skills for automation, controls, motion control, and related electrical systems.
Experience with CMMS systems to support preventive maintenance and asset management for automated equipment.
Proven ability to lead root cause analysis and structured problem-solving to reduce downtime and improve reliability.
Knowledge of OSHA requirements, lockout/tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, and safety PLCs, with experience applying safety standards in automation.
Ability to interpret and work from electrical drawings, schematics, and P&IDs.
Effective communication skills to collaborate with maintenance, production, engineering, and external partners.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks in a fast-paced production environment.
Strong ownership mindset regarding reliability, uptime, and documentation discipline.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with Industry 4.0 concepts, data collection, and integration of automation systems with higher-level systems.
Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience with vision systems and their integration into automated equipment for inspection or guidance.
Experience in motion control, including servo tuning, troubleshooting, and optimization.
Experience with system integration projects, including coordinating hardware, software, and controls across multiple vendors.
Proficiency with design tools such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD for reviewing and updating mechanical and electrical designs.
Experience planning, executing, or supporting automation-related CAPEX projects.
Demonstrated ability to conduct or support audits of automation systems and processes to identify risks and opportunities.
Comfort working with external integrators and OEMs to implement new systems or upgrade existing equipment.
Willingness to challenge legacy processes and drive improvements in safety, reliability, and efficiency.
Strong analytical skills and a structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago Heights, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $57.00/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 Chicago Heights,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.
