Automation Engineer

Job Title:

Automation Engineer Job Description The Automation Engineer plays a hands-on role in a high-volume electronics assembly environment, designing, building, debugging, installing, and improving automated equipment on the factory floor. This position works directly with production technicians, operators, maintenance, quality, and manufacturing teams to deliver practical automation solutions that enhance safety, uptime, yield, and throughput. The role requires regular presence on the production floor, working on live equipment and automation systems rather than performing only desk-based work. Responsibilities Respond to equipment downtime on the production floor and lead thorough root cause analysis to prevent recurrence. Improve cycle time, uptime, reliability, and yield on existing automated systems through systematic optimization. Modify automation programs, tooling, and hardware to eliminate recurring issues and enhance equipment performance. Implement error-proofing solutions to reduce defects and improve process robustness. Support Lean manufacturing initiatives and cost reduction projects by identifying and implementing automation opportunities. Partner with quality teams to improve the robustness of inspection and test processes through automation and controls enhancements. Collaborate with maintenance teams to improve long-term equipment reliability and maintainability. Interface with external machine builders and system integrators throughout design, build, and commissioning phases. Program, test, and debug PLCs using platforms such as Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent systems. Develop and modify HMI interfaces to provide clear, user-friendly controls and diagnostics for operators and technicians. Integrate, program, and tune industrial robots such as Fanuc, ABB, UR, or similar platforms to meet production requirements. Configure, optimize, and troubleshoot vision inspection systems to ensure accurate and reliable automated inspection. Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and controls issues directly on live production equipment. Lead and support the installation of new automation equipment in production, ensuring smooth integration with existing systems. Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) for new automation equipment and systems. Perform I/O checks, motion validation, safety system verification, and interlock and guarding validation during commissioning. Support production ramp-up and process validation for new or modified automated processes. Train operators, technicians, and maintenance teams on new equipment and automation systems to ensure safe and effective operation. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related field. At least 3 years of hands-on experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing engineering. Experience in electronics manufacturing, such as SMT or PCBA assembly, strongly preferred. Proficiency in PLC programming using platforms such as Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent systems. Strong working knowledge of industrial sensors and actuators and their application in automated systems. Hands-on experience with servo motors and motion control systems. Solid understanding of pneumatics and electro-mechanical systems used in automated equipment. Knowledge of industrial safety systems and safe design and operation of automated machinery. Experience using CAD tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or equivalent for mechanical or electrical design tasks. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair live production equipment safely and effectively. Comfort working in a fast-paced factory floor environment with shifting priorities. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex issues across mechanical, electrical, and controls domains. Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with cross-functional production, maintenance, and quality teams. Additional Skills & Qualifications Hands-on robot integration experience with platforms such as Fanuc, ABB, UR, or similar industrial robots. Experience with vision systems and automated inspection solutions in a manufacturing environment. Knowledge of SMT and PCBA assembly processes and related automation. Experience applying Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma principles to drive continuous improvement. Ability to use electrical diagnostic tools such as multimeters and oscilloscopes for troubleshooting. Proficiency with mechanical hand tools for equipment assembly, adjustment, and repair. Experience collaborating with external machine builders and system integrators during equipment design, build, and commissioning. supporting FAT and SAT activities for automated equipment is beneficial. Work Environment The role is primarily based on the production floor in a high-volume electronics manufacturing environment, with frequent direct interaction with live equipment, control panels, robots, and automation cells. The Automation Engineer spends the majority of their time in and around automated machinery, performing programming, debugging, testing, and troubleshooting activities in real-time production conditions. The position may require occasional weekend or off-shift support during equipment installations, commissioning, or production ramp-up periods. The environment involves working around industrial automation technologies such as PLCs, HMIs, robots, vision systems, industrial sensors, actuators, servo systems, and safety systems, using both CAD tools and diagnostic equipment to support reliable and safe operation of the factory's automated systems. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Largo, FL. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $100000.00/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 Largo,FL.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 5, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.