Automation Engineer

Automation/Controls Engineer

Actalent is currently looking to hire multiple automation and controls focused engineers to support manufacturing clients in the Portland region. These involve a variety of focuses including electrical design, robotics, control systems, PLC programming, general automation efforts, and in some cases, more sustaining and continuous improvement process efforts.

The Automation Engineer role is centered around advancing automation in manufacturing. You will design and build systems that enhance how products are produced, measured, and delivered, making processes faster, safer, and more efficient. We seek individuals passionate about automation, data, and innovation.

Responsibilities:

• Lead automation projects to enhance safety, speed, and product quality.
• Create dashboards and data systems to aid teams in making informed decisions.
• Program and integrate PLCs, robots, and motion systems into seamless automated workflows.
• Develop and implement long-term automation strategies spanning 1 to 5 years.
• Utilize robotics, computer vision, and motion control technologies for fully integrated systems.
• Support leadership with real-time decision-making tools and data.
• Design, program, and integrate automation systems including robotics, motion control, CNC, vision systems, MES, and third-party equipment.
• Collaborate on equipment design and specifications to ensure scalable and standardized systems.
• Enhance factory-wide automation connecting machines, processes, and data.
• Develop user-friendly HMI and SCADA applications using Ignition Perspective & Vision.
• Create real-time production insight dashboards and reports in Ignition.
• Apply statistical tools like capability studies, Cpk, Gage R&R for process validation and improvement.
• Lead efforts to analyze and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Develop industrial IoT solutions linking automation systems with enterprise-level platforms.
• Manage vendors and ensure new equipment is tested and production-ready.
• Train and support teams in maintaining and enhancing automation systems.
• Continuously refine automation for increased output, improved quality, reduced costs, and enhanced safety.

Essential Skills:

• Expertise in automation engineering and controls engineering.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, ideally from scratch, using Allen Bradley and Siemens.
• Experience with Fanuc robotics or general robotics.
• Skills in Ignition, including MES setup and dashboard creation.
• SQL and database management.
• Familiarity with design tools like AutoCAD Electrical.
• Experience with robotic process automation and continuous improvement methodologies.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Ideally a degreed engineer (BS or greater in Electrical, Electronics, Automation, Robotics, Mechatronics, or similar) and 3-5+ years of demonstratable automation and controls engineering at manufacturing or other industrial facilities.
• Experience with hard automation and some custom system development.
• Familiarity with homegrown MES systems.
• Ability to manage data processing and dashboard development projects.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for existing automation systems.
• Flexibility to tailor R&D projects to personal strengths.

Preference is for regional talent in the PNW, but candidates who are planning to move to this region will be given consideration. Relocation budget is currently unlikely for any of these roles. Please present a clearly qualified resume.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $65.00/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 Portland, OR.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 2025.