• Automation Engineer

    Actalent (Merrillville, IN)


    Description:

    We are looking for a technical professional with strong in automated systems to join our operations team in the Merrillville, IN area. This individual will take ownership of projects that involve introducing or enhancing production equipment, improving workflows, and supporting plant-wide manufacturing efforts.

    Primary Duties

    + Champion initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and introduce improved work methods.

    + Coordinate technical projects, including planning, documentation, and timeline management.

    + Assess new machinery or equipment upgrades and oversee their integration into manufacturing processes.

    + Support continuous improvement programs, Lean activities, and structured problem‑solving.

    + Prepare cost estimates and proposals for electrical or controls-related work, using project‑tracking tools like Gantt charts.

    + Create and maintain electrical drawings, schematics, and reference materials to assist maintenance teams.

    + Lead and participate in ongoing improvement efforts across the facility.

    + Ensure the plant’s electrical systems meet internal and external safety, compliance, and code requirements.

    + Serve as a resource for troubleshooting and technical guidance to electrical technicians.

    + Promote consistency and standardization across equipment, systems, and controls platforms.

    + Identify opportunities for upgrades or enhancements based on production needs.

    Core Competencies:

    + Automation & controls

    + PLC logic development (Allen‑Bradley preferred)

    + Lean/continuous improvement methodologies

    + Project and capital planning

    + Electrical/controls design

    + SCADA, HMI, and related interfaces

    + AutoCAD proficiency

    + Microsoft Project and Office tools

    Most Relevant Skill Areas:

    Automation engineering, PLC development, Lean process optimization, project leadership, controls troubleshooting, SCADA/HMI, schematic design.

    Candidate experience:

    + Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a similar discipline.

    + Approximately 5–7 years of hands‑on experience in automation, controls engineering, or related areas.

    + Strong abilities in PLC programming across multiple languages, AutoCAD, and common project management software.

    + Experience leading capital projects and supporting Lean initiatives.

    + Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively across teams.

    + Prior experience with tube mills is beneficial but not mandatory.

    Experience Level:

    Intermediate Experience

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Merrillville, IN.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $57.00 - $63.00/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 Merrillville,IN.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Feb 3, 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 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 [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.