Senior Automation / Controls Engineer
Job Title: Senior Automation / Controls Engineer
Location: Florence, SC
Employment Type: Contract – W2
Pay Rate: $50–$55/hr on W2
Experience: 8+ years
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation / Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, implementation, commissioning, and optimization of advanced automation and control systems within a manufacturing environment.
The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on expertise in PLC programming, robotics, HMI, motion control, industrial networks, machine safety, and manufacturing system integration, along with experience leading automation projects from concept through production implementation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, development, and deployment of automation and controls systems for manufacturing operations.
- Develop and maintain PLC architecture, HMI applications, motion control systems, robotics, industrial networks, and machine safety solutions.
- Lead automation projects from concept and technical specifications through commissioning and production stabilization.
- Design controls architecture, define hardware specifications, establish programming standards, and support system validation.
- Support industrial robot integration, programming, end-of-arm tooling, cell optimization, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
- Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, IT/OT, Supply Chain, and external suppliers.
- Support equipment procurement, including technical specifications, supplier evaluations, technical reviews, FAT, SAT, and final acceptance.
- Establish automation and controls standards focused on equipment reliability, maintainability, cybersecurity, and operational support.
- Drive digital manufacturing initiatives involving IIoT, machine monitoring, data collection, remote diagnostics, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
- Support new product introductions through process automation, equipment development, manufacturing system integration, and production readiness.
- Identify productivity improvements through robotics, vision systems, automated material handling, error-proofing, and equipment modernization.
- Analyze equipment performance and implement improvements to increase OEE, throughput, yield, and labor efficiency while reducing downtime.
- Provide technical leadership during installation, startup, debugging, safety validation, commissioning, and production ramp-up.
- Mentor engineers, technicians, and maintenance teams on automation, robotics, controls troubleshooting, and problem-solving practices.
Required Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, robotics integration, or industrial equipment development.
- Strong experience leading automation capital projects from concept through production implementation.
- Expert-level experience with:
- PLC programming
- Controls architecture
- Robot programming/integration
- Machine safety
- Manufacturing system integration
- Experience working with production-critical equipment in high-volume or complex manufacturing environments.
- Experience managing automation suppliers, system integrators, equipment builders, and technical service partners.
- Strong troubleshooting, commissioning, debugging, and production-support experience.
Preferred Industry Background
- Industrial Manufacturing
- Factory Automation / Robotics
- Automotive or Heavy Equipment Manufacturing
- Material Handling
- Complex Assembly Manufacturing
Additional Details
Location: Florence, SC
Work Arrangement: On-site manufacturing environment
Pay: $50–$55/hr on W2
Experience: 8+ years