Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
A
Actalent
Automation Engineer
Career Insights for Manufacturing Automation Engineer
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on Wisconsin data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Manufacturing Automation Engineer designs, programs and improves automated machinery and processes within a manufacturing environment. Are responsible for the design specifications, documentation and troubleshooting of the equipment. Often work within vehicle manufacturing and food processing plants, where robots or machines are used to perform specific functions.
$97,153 / year median in Wisconsin
+8% projected growth
Job Description
Job Title:
Automation Engineer Job Description The Automation Engineer develops, maintains, and troubleshoots PLC and HMI programs that support production and utility systems in a regulated biopharmaceutical environment. The role focuses primarily on daily troubleshooting and sustaining existing automation systems rather than extensive new program development. The Automation Engineer follows strict documentation practices in compliance withFDA 21 CFR
Part 11 and works extensively with Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk applications. This position supports a growing automation team dedicated to keeping the facility running reliably while integrating new automated equipment. Responsibilities Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot PLC programs for production and utility systems in a regulated manufacturing environment. Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot HMI applications to support safe and efficient operation of automated equipment. Perform daily troubleshooting of automation systems to minimize downtime and ensure reliable facility operations. Sustain and optimize existing PLC and HMI programs, focusing on continuous improvement rather than extensive new development. Work with Rockwell Automation platforms, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk applications, to support plant operations. Apply and follow documentation practices that comply withFDA 21 CFR
Part 11 and cGMP requirements. Collaborate with production, utilities, and engineering teams to diagnose and resolve control system issues. Support the introduction and integration of new automated equipment into existing control architectures. Ensure that automation changes are properly documented, tested, and implemented in accordance with regulatory and internal standards. Contribute to maintaining a reliable automation infrastructure for the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Industrial Automation or a closely related field. Troubleshooting PLC programs in a regulated environment. Troubleshooting HMI programs in a regulated environment. Developing PLC programs for production or utility systems. HMI programs for production or utility systems. Experience working in a regulated environment with strong documentation requirements. Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation platforms such as ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk. Proficiency in Allen-Bradley PLC programming and troubleshooting. Experience in controls engineering, including automation systems design and support. Demonstrated ability to follow and applyFDA 21 CFR
Part 11-compliant documentation practices. Solid troubleshooting skills for PLCs, HMIs, and related control system components. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience supporting automation systems in a biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical manufacturing environment. Familiarity with cGMP-compliant manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team focused on facility reliability and continuous improvement. Strong communication skills to collaborate with operations, utilities, and engineering stakeholders. Interest in supporting both existing systems and the introduction of new automated equipment. Work Environment The role is based in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility specializing in the development and cGMP-compliant production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including APIs such as Pancreatin and Heparin. The Automation Engineer works primarily on a first-shift schedule, Monday through Friday, typically around 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with some flexibility in hours. The environment is highly regulated and quality-focused, with strict adherence toFDA 21 CFR
Part 11 and cGMP standards. Automation systems are built on Rockwell technologies, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, PlantPAx, and FactoryTalk, supporting both production and utility operations. The facility operates as part of a global pharmaceutical supply chain and emphasizes innovation, reliability, and teamwork in its culture Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Waunakee, WI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $105000.00/yr. 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. full health dental and medical benefits 160 days of pto on full calendar year Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Waunakee,WI. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 16, 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 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 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.Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Dental Insurance