Process Automation Engineer

Job Title:

Process Automation Engineer Job Description The Process Automation Engineer drives process engineering and automation initiatives across the manufacturing plant, with a strong focus on scaling production, upgrading equipment, and implementing continuous improvement. This role designs, programs, and optimizes automated systems, including PLCs and HMIs, while leading capital projects from concept through installation and startup. The engineer works cross-functionally with internal teams and external contractors, supports new product introductions, and improves safety, quality, and efficiency on highly automated production lines. Responsibilities Lead process engineering and automation efforts across the plant to optimize existing production lines and support the integration of new lines and products. Develop, program, and modify PLC and HMI systems, including programming from scratch when needed, with a strong emphasis on Allen-Bradley platforms and ladder logic. Manage documentation and control of all production line PLC programs and automation software to ensure accuracy, standardization, and change control. Evaluate manufacturing equipment and processes on the production floor, diagnose issues, identify root causes of downtime, and implement effective technical solutions. Conduct routine troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical equipment to minimize downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Support and document preventive maintenance procedures and assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures for equipment inspection and maintenance. Direct and coordinate the fabrication, installation, and commissioning of new equipment and processes to ensure conformance to engineering designs and customer specifications. Design or assist with the design of products and mechanical, electrical, and control systems to support manufacturing and automation requirements. Develop, design, and implement annual capital plans and strategic projects, ranging from small-scale initiatives to multi-million-dollar investments, while managing multiple projects simultaneously. Research alternatives and develop capital requests for new machines and processing lines to increase capacity and efficiency. Collaborate with product development teams to evaluate production capabilities and support New Product Development projects and product innovations. Work to improve key performance indicators (KPIs) focused on safety, quality, productivity, cost improvement, OEE, and 5S activities. Lead and organize Lean Six Sigma and other continuous improvement activities to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency on manufacturing lines. Identify and implement cost savings and process improvement projects to increase unit output and reduce operating costs. Maintain accurate and organized project and equipment files to ensure information is readily available and up to date. Research and analyze data such as customer design proposals, specifications, and technical manuals to determine feasibility of designs or applications. Plan the fabrication of test control apparatus and equipment and develop methods and procedures for testing products or systems. Supervise and support field installations of equipment and recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions. Provide technical training on production line equipment and automation systems to operations and maintenance personnel as needed. Model and promote core capabilities and behaviors that support service excellence, operational effectiveness, and fiscal responsibility. Promote and maintain a safe, healthy, and respectful work environment, demonstrating safe work practices at all times and complying with all company policies and procedures. Act as a highly autonomous project leader who can take a concept or high-level objective, define the approach, and execute through to completion with minimal oversight. Perform other related engineering and project duties as assigned. Essential Skills Proven experience in process engineering within a manufacturing environment involving heavy automation and straight-line manufacturing processes. Strong hands-on PLC programming experience, including programming from scratch using ladder logic. Proficiency with Allen-Bradley PLCs and related automation hardware and software. Demonstrated experience with HMI programming and interface design for automated systems. Solid electrical background with the ability to troubleshoot and support electrical systems on production equipment. Ability to read, create, and modify AutoCAD designs and drawings for equipment, layouts, and control systems. Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with automated machinery such as robotic palletizers, bottle sorters, liquid fillers, and cap applicators or similar equipment. Experience managing multiple capital and process improvement projects simultaneously, from concept through implementation. Hands-on approach and willingness to spend significant time on the manufacturing floor evaluating machinery and equipment. Proven ability to identify root causes of recurring downtime and implement sustainable corrective actions. Experience supporting or leading continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and cost reduction. Strong troubleshooting skills for both mechanical and electrical equipment in a production environment. Ability to work autonomously, take initiative, and drive projects with minimal direction. Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, maintenance, operations, and external contractors. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in highly automated manufacturing industries such as refinery, pharmaceutical, food, chemical, or agriculture. background in project engineering with experience taking projects from concept through design, installation, and startup. Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies and activities. Familiarity with OEE, 5S, and other operational excellence tools and metrics. Experience evaluating production capabilities for new product introductions and supporting New Product Development projects. Ability to develop and justify capital requests for new equipment and processing lines. Experience coordinating and supervising field installations and working with external vendors and contractors. Comfort working in a highly autonomous role where you lead automation and process projects as the primary owner. Mechanical, electrical, or controls engineering education or training is beneficial. Experience in environments undergoing significant capacity expansion and automation upgrades is a plus. Work Environment This role is based in a manufacturing facility with approximately 75% of time spent on the production floor and 25% in a cubicle or office setting. The production environment includes highly automated equipment such as robotic palletizers, bottle sorters, liquid fillers, and cap applicators, along with PLC- and HMI-controlled systems. The position is hands-on and requires frequent interaction with machinery, equipment, and production personnel. The work involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, maintenance staff, and external contractors during equipment installations and upgrades. The culture emphasizes safety, continuous improvement, and investment in automation and facility upgrades, offering significant autonomy to lead projects and drive capacity improvements, with long-term growth potential as the operation continues to expand. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bridgeton, MO. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $46.00 - $52.00/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 Bridgeton,MO.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 9, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. 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.