Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Equipment/Automation Engineer to join our team on a contract basis and work on-site. This role requires a minimum of 8 years of experience in the field. The successful candidate will be responsible for the installation, operation, and continuous improvement of automated and semi-automated production lines at our facility. You will be the owner of the machines, ensuring they are installed, running, and reliable, while also focusing on enhancing their performance over time.
Responsibilities
- Lead the installation and commissioning of automated production lines with the integrator, ensuring each line meets specifications and addressing any issues.
- Maintain equipment uptime and reliability through preventive maintenance, spare parts management, failure analysis, and quick troubleshooting.
- Debug and improve control systems, including PLCs, robotics, motion, vision, and safety systems.
- Implement upgrades and changes to enhance equipment performance, uptime, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Maintain comprehensive documentation, including machine specifications, electrical/mechanical drawings, spare-parts lists, and preventive maintenance procedures.
- Serve as the technical point of contact for integrator issues, changes, and support.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience.
- A minimum of 8 years in equipment, automation, or controls engineering with hands-on ownership of automated production equipment.
- Experience commissioning automated lines, including SAT, bring-up, and debugging, working with integrators or OEMs.
- Proficient in PLC programming with Allen-Bradley and Siemens, capable of reading, modifying, and debugging line logic.
- Experience with FANUC robot programming and troubleshooting across servo/motion, machine vision, and pneumatics.
- Knowledge of machine safety systems, including safety PLCs, safety categories, robot safety, light curtains, guarding, and LOTO.
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings and electrical schematics.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Architect-level controls depth, including writing or restructuring Allen-Bradley/Siemens PLC logic from scratch, FANUC robot programming, and setting up machine-vision systems.
- CAD fluency for fixture/tooling design and modifications, preferably with SolidWorks or CATIA.
- Experience integrating equipment into a plant MES/data system for uptime and quality tracking.
Work Environment
The work environment involves managing giant automated production lines, approximately two-thirds the size of a football field. This high-profile program has visibility at the VPs/Board of Directors level and focuses on automotive-level production volumes. The role requires working in a factory/line-side environment, providing hands-on support rather than desk-based activities. You will be one of the first team members to undertake this type of work at the site, owning this function and collaborating with adjacent roles.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Bellevue, WA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100.00 - $120.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Bellevue, WA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Bellevue,WA. 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.