Automation Engineer

Job description

Job Title: Automation Engineer Job Description
The Automation Engineer is the go-to expert for electrical infrastructure and automation systems across the facility.

This role encompasses everything from utility feed to MCCs, control panels to PLCs, with a focus on maintaining safe, efficient, and intelligent operations.

The position demands a hands-on approach and significant independence, primarily supporting utilities such as purified water, chilled water, steam, and compressed air.
Responsibilities

+ Own and maintain electrical infrastructure from utility intake through MCC distribution.

+ Troubleshoot and specify transformers, switchgear, and power systems for new equipment.

+ Conduct thermographic studies and analyze heat data for preventive maintenance.

+ Perform preventive maintenance on electrical systems during scheduled shutdowns, including July 4th.

+ Maintain and update single-line diagrams and power distribution drawings.

+ Prepare technical documentation for internal teams and regulatory agencies.

+ Collaborate with the automation team on Allen-Bradley VFDs, PLCs, and Wonderware-based BMS.

+ Program and troubleshoot control systems for utilities: purified water, chilled water, steam, and compressed air.

+ Diagnose issues on the floor involving gauges, meters, panels, and integrated electrical/automation systems.

Essential Skills

+ 5–7 years of experience in industrial electrical and automation systems.

+ Strong familiarity with medium voltage systems (13.2 kV).

+ Proficiency with SKM software for arc flash and electrical studies.

+ Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.

+ Hands-on experience with PLCs (Allen-Bradley preferred) and control systems for utility infrastructure.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ PE (Professional Engineer) license.

+ Experience integrating building automation systems (BAS/BMS) with utility controls.

+ Familiarity with Wonderware or AVEVA platforms.

+ Strong cross-functional communication with facilities, automation, and utilities teams.

Work Environment
This role operates within a clean, regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing environment on a Monday–Friday first shift schedule.

It offers long-term stability, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to support critical electrical infrastructure at one of Columbus’s largest pharma sites.

Benefits include a generous PTO bank starting with 20 days, comprehensive health, dental, vision, mental health, disability, life insurance, and prescription drug coverage, as well as various voluntary benefits once employed directly.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, Ohio.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $57.69/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 Columbus,OH.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 1, 2025.
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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.

Required Skill Profession

Other General