Automation Engineering Technician @ Actalent

Job Title: Automation Engineering TechnicianJob DescriptionThis role supports industrial automation and maintenance activities within a high-volume manufacturing environment, with a focus on battery pack assembly equipment. The Automation Engineering Technician installs, debugs, programs, and troubleshoots electrical, mechanical, and control systems, including PLCs, robotics, servo motion controllers, and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. The position offers exposure to advanced production engineering projects, extensive learning opportunities, and long-term, stable contract work with strong prospects for ongoing engagement.

Responsibilities

• Install, debug, and maintain industrial equipment and automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Support production engineering and vehicle manufacturing engineering battery pack assembly equipment, ensuring reliable operation and minimal downtime.
• Program, read, write, and modify PLC logic, with an emphasis on Mitsubishi platforms and other supported PLCs.
• Configure, program, and troubleshoot servo motion controllers to support automated equipment performance.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical and mechanical systems, including relay logic circuits, wiring, and related components.
• Program and troubleshoot industrial robots, including Kawasaki and FANUC systems, to support automated production processes.
• Diagnose and resolve issues with hydraulic and pneumatic systems using schematic reading and systematic troubleshooting methods.
• Support equipment installation and pre-production setup, ensuring systems are ready for production launch.
• Assist with production processes, including adherence to Standardized Work (STW) and Job Instruction Sheets (JIS), to maintain consistent quality and productivity.
• Gather and analyze quality data from multiple sources to support continuous improvement of equipment and processes.
• Contribute to new plant or facility startup activities, including equipment commissioning and process stabilization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and adapt to working with different groups, shifts, and project demands.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed to support equipment installation, troubleshooting, and production activities at other locations.
• Work overtime, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and shutdown periods, in line with project and production needs.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety and proper use of personal protective equipment while working on-site.

Essential Skills

• Industrial maintenance experience in a manufacturing environment or equivalent equipment installation and debugging experience.
• Hands-on experience with electrical and/or mechanical systems in an industrial manufacturing setting.
• Technical experience with PLC programming, including reading, writing, and modifying logic, with Mitsubishi PLCs preferred.
• Experience with servo motion controllers, including setup, programming, and troubleshooting.
• Technical experience with relay logic, including wiring, circuit interpretation, and troubleshooting.
• Technical experience with industrial robotics, including programming and troubleshooting (such as Kawasaki and FANUC robots).
• Experience troubleshooting hydraulic systems and reading hydraulic schematics.
• Experience troubleshooting pneumatic systems and reading pneumatic schematics.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime, holidays, weekends, and during plant shutdowns as required.
• Ability to travel for business, both domestically and internationally, up to approximately 30% to 50% depending on project demands.
• Self-motivated approach with the ability to work independently and proactively.
• Flexibility to work with different teams, adapt to changing priorities, and support multiple projects.
• Technical experience as an automation technician, industrial maintenance technician, or similar role, ideally with 3+ years of relevant technical experience.
• Proficiency in PLC programming and controls engineering concepts.
• Familiarity with automation platforms such as Mitsubishi, Omron, Siemens, and Allen-Bradley.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Technical associate degree or higher in a related field or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in pre-production setup for new equipment or processes.
• Experience with production processes that use Standardized Work (STW) and Job Instruction Sheets (JIS).
• Experience gathering, interpreting, and analyzing quality data from multiple sources to support process improvement.
• New plant or facility startup experience, including equipment installation and commissioning.
• Experience working in high-volume production environments, particularly in clean room conditions.
• Exposure to industrial maintenance roles involving both electrical and mechanical responsibilities.
• Background in automation engineering, controls engineering, or related engineering disciplines.
• Familiarity with industrial servomotors and their integration into automated systems.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Liberty, NC.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $35.00 - $65.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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 DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Liberty,NC.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 [email protected] 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.