Project Automation Engineer

Project Automation Engineer

Position Details
Location: Anderson / Pendleton, South Carolina area
Schedule: Full-time, onsite
Assignment: Initial 12-month contract with potential extension
Potential Conversion: Contract-to-hire may become an option
Travel: Minimal, primarily domestic with occasional international travel
Compensation: $50-$65/hour, depending on experience

We are seeking a hands-on Project Automation Engineer to support capital equipment and manufacturing improvement projects at a large industrial facility in the Anderson/Pendleton area.
This is a strong opportunity for an engineer who enjoys being involved throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial design and equipment specification through installation, controls programming, commissioning, and production startup. The ideal candidate combines strong electrical and automation skills with the ability to coordinate vendors, maintenance teams, operations, and other engineering resources.

What You'll Be Doing

Design and implement electrical and automation solutions for manufacturing equipment and capital projects
Develop and modify PLC programs using Siemens controls
Work with Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and GRAFCET
Develop and configure HMI applications
Specify and support VFDs, drives, motors, motion control, instrumentation, and related electrical components
Create or review electrical and controls designs using CAD-based engineering tools
Integrate controls equipment with plant networks, databases, and other manufacturing systems
Troubleshoot automation and electrical issues during equipment installation and startup
Support equipment commissioning, validation, and production ramp-up
Develop project cost estimates, schedules, equipment specifications, and technical documentation
Coordinate with equipment suppliers and contractors from design through equipment acceptance
Participate in RFQs, equipment procurement, vendor reviews, and acceptance activities
Provide technical support and training to maintenance personnel following project implementation
Assist with equipment safety and ergonomic reviews
Coordinate multiple engineering disciplines to keep projects on schedule and moving toward successful startup

What We're Looking For

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related technical discipline preferred
Equivalent technical experience may also be considered
Approximately 2+ years of practical engineering experience, preferably within industrial or manufacturing environments
Hands-on experience with Siemens PLC programming
Knowledge of Ladder Logic and Structured Text
Experience with industrial electrical and control system design
Experience developing or configuring HMIs
Working knowledge of VFDs and motion control
Understanding of industrial networks and communication between automation devices
Ability to read, develop, or work from electrical drawings and control schematics
Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, or startup
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
Ability to communicate effectively with engineering, operations, maintenance, contractors, and equipment suppliers

Experience with robotics, FANUC equipment, machine vision, AGVs, or other advanced manufacturing technologies is a plus but not required.

Project Experience That Will Stand Out
Candidates who have taken automation or electrical projects beyond programming and into full project execution will be especially attractive. This could include experience with:

Capital equipment installations or upgrades
Equipment specifications and vendor selection
Cost estimating and project scheduling
Supplier and contractor coordination
Factory or equipment acceptance
Installation supervision
Commissioning and startup
Production ramp-up and handoff to maintenance or operations

Work Environment
This position supports a highly automated manufacturing operation utilizing technologies such as PLCs, HMIs, robotics, conveyors, drives, machine vision, automated material handling, industrial sensing, and complex production equipment.
The role is full-time and onsite, Monday through Friday, with a typical 40-hour workweek. Candidates should have some flexibility to support occasional weekend, holiday, or shutdown work when major equipment installations or startups are scheduled. Limited travel may also be required.

If you are an automation engineer who enjoys combining controls programming, electrical engineering, equipment integration, and project execution, this position offers the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful manufacturing projects from concept through production.