Automation Engineer

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Job Description

This Automation Engineer role supports a heavy industrial manufacturing operation by delivering automation projects, maintaining plant-wide control systems, and driving continuous improvement. The position focuses on PLC and control system programming, troubleshooting, and optimization, while ensuring reliable and efficient operation of production equipment and automation infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot Siemens PLC-based control systems for heavy industrial manufacturing processes.
• Develop, configure, and support Siemens HMI applications and visualization tools to improve operator usability and process visibility.
• Provide day-to-day support for industrial automation systems, including diagnostics, root cause analysis, and resolution of production equipment issues.
• Manage automation projects from concept through implementation, including planning, execution, testing, and documentation.
• Design and support electrical controls and panel layouts, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and best practices.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics and P&ID drawings to support system design, troubleshooting, and modifications.
• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot industrial networking and automation communication systems.
• Perform root cause analysis on equipment and system failures and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve reliability.
• Manage databases and backups for automation systems to ensure system integrity, recoverability, and version control.
• Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to support ongoing operations and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of plant-wide automation infrastructure, standards, and documentation.
• Use CAD tools, ideally AutoCAD, to create and update electrical and panel design drawings as needed.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience with Siemens PLC programming and troubleshooting in an industrial environment.
• Hands-on experience developing and supporting Siemens HMI systems and visualization tools.
• Strong knowledge in industrial automation systems within heavy industrial manufacturing or similar environments.
• Proficiency in electrical controls and panel design, including layout and component selection.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and P&ID drawings accurately.
• Knowledge of industrial networking and automation communication protocols.
• Experience in automation project management, including planning, execution, and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis and troubleshoot production equipment issues.
• Experience with database and backup management for automation systems.
• Robotics experience in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Proficiency with CAD tools, ideally AutoCAD, for electrical and panel design.
• Engineering degree or equivalent technical education in a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of automation experience in an industrial setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in heavy industrial manufacturing environments.
• Preference for industry experience in steel, metals, paper, chemical, power generation, or other large-process manufacturing industries.
• Experience supporting production operations and maintenance organizations.
• Strong programming skills related to industrial automation and control systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate technical information clearly.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and reliability of automation systems.
• Interest in long-term direct placement opportunities with relocation assistance and performance-based bonus potential.

Work Environment

The role is based in a heavy industrial manufacturing and office environment. Approximately 6070% of the work involves office-based activities such as programming, troubleshooting, design work, and documentation, while 3040% of the time is spent on the manufacturing floor working directly with production equipment and automation systems. The environment includes exposure to large-process industrial equipment, automation systems, and plant operations, supported by modern engineering tools and technologies. The position offers direct placement, relocation assistance, bonus potential, and employer-covered benefits premiums, creating a stable and attractive work setting for an experienced automation professional.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Panama City, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $115000.00/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.

Health and InsuranceMedical, dental, and vision coverage with options for company-paid plans or Health Savings Accounts (HSA).Life insurance and basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, plus dependent life options.Short-term and long-term disability insurance.Financial and RetirementCompetitive pay structures paired with bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.401(k) retirement program featuring a generous employer match up to 5%.Time Off and LeavePaid time off (PTO) including starting vacation days and paid holidays.Sick leave alongside standard statutory leaves like bereavement, military, and jury duty.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Panama City,FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 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.