Automation Controls Engineer

Join our dynamic team as an Automation Controls Engineer at a leading custom chemical manufacturing company. Specializing in batch-based chemical production and packaging, we focus on custom formulations tailored to meet customer specifications. We are heavily investing in automation as part of our expansion project, which involves dividing manufacturing into two facilities. This role offers an opportunity to work from the ground up, taking chemical batch reactors to the commissioning stage and optimizing operations through automation.

• Design, develop, configure, and maintain Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to track production output, quality metrics, and operational performance.
• Align system functionality with plant operations to ensure accurate data capture and reporting.
• Support enhancements and upgrades to manufacturing software platforms.
• Gather data from machines, automation systems, and operators to build dashboards, databases, and reports.
• Develop and maintain performance monitoring tools to provide real-time production visibility.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.
• Integrate automation and control systems with manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Support implementation of new production technologies and digital initiatives.
• Ensure system compatibility between production equipment and IT infrastructure.
• Ensure production automation systems meet company safety standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support validation and documentation of system changes affecting quality or compliance.
• Participate in troubleshooting system issues impacting production performance.
• Work cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, quality, and IT teams.
• Assist in resolving technical issues that affect plant operations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization and digital transformation.

• Experience in manufacturing automation or industrial automation with at least 2 years in a relevant industry.
• Proficiency in PLC programming, automation integration, and controls engineering.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and experience with electrical systems.
• Experience in project management and project coordination.
• Hands-on experience with installation and commissioning of reactors.
• Bachelor's Degree or Associate's Degree from Ranken or a related school, with additional experience required for Associate level.

• Project management experience involving external vendors and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Background in capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues in a manufacturing setting.

The work environment is primarily on the production floor, where you will collaborate closely with the manufacturing team. This setting offers hands-on experience and opportunities to troubleshoot and optimize operations alongside skilled professionals. The role is integral to our expansion project, providing a chance to be part of a significant growth initiative with planned investments over the next four years.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Louis, MO.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Saint Louis,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 19, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $60 - $70