Automation Engineer

Job Title: Senior Automation Engineer Job Description
We are seeking a hands-on Senior Automation Engineer to lead the design, development, and implementation of automated manufacturing systems. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys owning projects from concept through commissioning and wants to work closely with robotics, controls, electrical design, and process improvement initiatives. The engineer will play a key role in improving manufacturing efficiency, increasing equipment uptime, and deploying new automated solutions throughout the operation.
Responsibilities
- Lead automation projects from concept and whiteboarding through design, build, programming, testing, installation, and operator training.
- Design and develop automated systems for manufacturing processes and modify existing equipment to improve performance and reduce manual intervention.
- Program PLCs and HMIs for machine controls and production equipment.
- Integrate and program industrial robots for machine tending, assembly, material handling, and testing applications.
- Design electrical control cabinets, create electrical schematics, and support panel wiring activities.
- Develop testing fixtures, validation equipment, and custom automation solutions.
- Improve manufacturing processes through automation, reducing cycle times and increasing throughput.
- Design machine controls, sensors, motion systems, and automated inspection solutions.
- Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance teams to identify automation opportunities.
- Support equipment commissioning, troubleshooting, and startup activities.
- Create bills of materials (BOMs), technical documentation, and operating procedures.
- Provide hands-on support during equipment installation, testing, and production launches.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
- 8+ years of automation, controls, manufacturing engineering, or related experience.
- 5+ years of PLC and HMI programming experience.
- Experience programming industrial robots, preferably Fanuc.
- Strong electrical design experience, including electrical schematics and control panel design.
- Experience building, troubleshooting, and commissioning automated equipment.
- Knowledge of industrial communication networks and protocols.
- Experience with servo motors, stepper motors, VFDs, and motion control systems.
- Familiarity with pneumatic systems and automated machine controls.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage projects while remaining highly hands-on in execution.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in machining, manufacturing, automation, or industrial production environments.
- Experience with CODESYS, Siemens, Beckhoff, or similar PLC platforms.
- Experience with Ethernet/IP, IO-Link, DeviceNet, and related industrial networking technologies.
- Familiarity with vision systems, automated inspection, and machine tending applications.
- Exposure to welding, machining, fabrication, or other skilled trades.
- Experience designing fixtures, tooling, and quality validation equipment.
Work Environment
The work environment involves a diverse set of tasks, with approximately 40-50% of the time dedicated to PLC programming, controls development, and troubleshooting. Robotics integration and machine automation projects account for about 20-30% of the workload. Additionally, 10-20% is focused on electrical design, schematics, and control cabinet work, while the remaining 10-20% involves manufacturing floor support, testing, commissioning, and collaboration with operations teams. The role offers dynamic work rotations, varying from cabinet/electrical design to on-site PLC/robotics programming and vision system integration.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Tualatin, OR.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $135000.00/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. Medical/Dental/Vision
401(k) match
PTO/Holidays
Bonus eligibility
Tuition reimbursement
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Tualatin,OR.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 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 [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.