Automation Technician @ Actalent

Job Title: Automation TechnicianJob DescriptionThe Automation Technician configures, sets up, operates, and troubleshoots automated production equipment to support manufacturing goals. This role focuses on minimizing downtime, maintaining optimal equipment performance, and ensuring that all safety and quality standards are consistently met. The position offers strong growth potential within a large, experienced team at a growing facility.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate complex automated cable assembly production equipment to support daily production requirements.
• Configure, operate, and monitor automated production equipment to ensure stable and efficient operation.
• Continuously monitor production processes and proactively identify issues to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control system issues on automation equipment to restore performance quickly.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to improve equipment reliability and process efficiency.
• Support equipment upgrades and the implementation of new automation technologies on the production floor.
• Contribute to scrap reduction, rate improvement, and cost reduction initiatives by identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Assist in developing and updating work instructions, preventive maintenance plans, and safety procedures for automated equipment.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, quality standards, and relevant industry guidelines in all tasks.
• Use PLCs, HMIs, and control systems to diagnose and correct control-related issues in automated equipment.
• Read and interpret mechanical and electrical blueprints to support troubleshooting, setup, and modification of equipment.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience with automated or industrial equipment (2+ years preferred).
• Hands-on experience with automated production equipment and automated cable assembly systems.
• Experience with PLCs such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms.
• Experience with HMI programming and operation.
• Strong understanding of control systems and controls engineering concepts.
• Strong mechanical skills for working with complex automated machinery.
• Strong electrical skills, including electrical troubleshooting on industrial equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and control issues on automation equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical blueprints.
• Industrial maintenance experience supporting automated or production equipment.
• Familiarity with mechatronics principles applied to automation and production systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in a technical discipline such as Automation, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field (preferred).
• Robotics experience, including programming or operating robotic systems (preferred).
• Knowledge of IPC 620 standards related to cable and wire harness assemblies (preferred).
• Knowledge of wire processing practices and standards (preferred).
• Familiarity with USCAR standards related to automotive connectors and wiring (preferred).
• Understanding of IATF-related quality system requirements (preferred).
• Experience supporting equipment upgrades and the integration of new technologies in a production environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including engineering, maintenance, and production.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on reducing scrap, improving production rates, and lowering costs.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high safety and quality standards.

Work EnvironmentThe role is based at a production facility in Akron that operates automated cable assembly and other automated production equipment. The facility is part of a large, experienced team in a growing organization, offering many opportunities to learn new technologies and processes. A new facility is opening in Lancaster, reflecting ongoing growth and investment in modern manufacturing capabilities. The environment is highly technical and fast-paced, with frequent interaction with engineering, maintenance, and production staff. Work involves hands-on interaction with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, control systems, and complex mechanical and electrical equipment on the production floor. The position requires consistent adherence to safety procedures and quality standards in an industrial manufacturing setting.

Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Akron, PA.

Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/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 Oct 31, 2026.

Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Akron,PA.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.