Automation Control Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Automation Engineer – Manufacturing Operations

Job Description

This role focuses on developing, installing, and supporting automated systems and equipment that enable reliable, efficient manufacturing operations at a Raleigh-based imaging site. The Automation Engineer optimizes process control and instrumentation systems across the plant, serves as a key technical resource for distributed control systems and PLC-based automation, and leads medium to large automation projects from concept through implementation in a highly regulated, cGMP-compliant environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, install, and support automated systems and equipment that directly support manufacturing operations at the Raleigh imaging facility.
• Design and execute plans to optimize process control and instrumentation systems throughout the plant, improving reliability, efficiency, and product quality.
• Establish and refine work processes and administrative controls, and deploy key functions that ensure robust automation and control performance.
• Provide technical support for a wide variety of instrumentation and control equipment, including troubleshooting and resolving complex electronic and mechanical issues.
• Actively participate as a team member on assigned plant projects, collaborating closely with project engineers, process engineers, mechanics, facilities personnel, and operations staff.
• Ensure all equipment is designed, maintained, and managed for maximum utility and favorable total cost of ownership.
• Serve as a key technical resource for automated systems with a strong focus on preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and problem resolution.
• Program, configure, and troubleshoot distributed control systems (DCS), PLCs, SCADA systems, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
• Perform tasks in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and update SOPs as needed to reflect best practices and current processes.
• Develop, review, and interpret electrical drawings and other technical documentation in support of plant processes and automation systems.
• Communicate ideas, project status, and concerns clearly and effectively when working with cross-functional teams and internal stakeholders.
• Manage historical production data in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Work with internal customers and implementation resources to understand project requirements and translate them into effective automation solutions.
• Manage medium to large automation projects, monitoring scope, schedule, and budget to ensure alignment with the project plan.
• Create and maintain project schedules using project management software such as Microsoft Project or similar tools.
• Deliver regular status updates to leadership, partners, and internal resources, highlighting progress, risks, and mitigation plans.
• Prioritize and balance competing project demands and conflicting requirements to meet business and regulatory needs.
• Develop and manage Change Requests, Exceptions, and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) in accordance with site procedures.
• Work safely in accordance with applicable regulations, standards, and procedures, minimizing risk to health, safety, and the environment.
• Notify management promptly of unsafe conditions or practices, unlawful activities, or activities that present unreasonable health or environmental risk.
• Report all safety and environmental incidents to management immediately and accurately.
• Enforce environmental, health, and safety (EHS) procedures and respond to EHS concerns within your area of operational responsibility.
• Conduct thorough incident investigations for safety or environmental events that occur within your scope of responsibility.
• Follow through on all safety-related corrective actions within the department to ensure issues are resolved and improvements sustained.

Essential Skills

• 3–5 years of experience in programming, maintaining, and troubleshooting Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and PLC/HMI-based automation in an industrial setting.
• Hands-on experience with Distributed Control Systems, with Foxboro I/A System strongly preferred.
• Hands-on experience with PLCs and HMIs, with Allen-Bradley platforms strongly preferred.
• Experience working in a pharmaceutical or other regulated industrial environment operating under cGMP requirements.
• Proven track record in the design and development of industrial automation, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Ability to develop, read, and understand Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) and control schematics.
• Experience in the design and development of industrial communication and control networks.
• Demonstrated project management skills at both conceptual and detailed levels, including defining scope of work, developing budgets, and creating schedules.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for complex automation, instrumentation, and control issues.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation and Control Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering; or an associate degree in a related field with 7–9 years of relevant experience.
• Ability to work as a self-starter and perform effectively with minimal supervision in a hands-on role.
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills for interacting with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong experince in standard PC applications and general computer literacy.
• Knowledge of computer system validation principles and practices in regulated environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred experience in formulation, filling, and packaging areas within a manufacturing or pharmaceutical environment.
• Demonstrated passion for finding better ways of working, continuously improving processes, and developing and documenting best practices.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with global teams and cross-functional partners on automation and manufacturing initiatives.
• Comfort working with project management tools such as Microsoft Project or equivalent software.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Commitment to ongoing personal development and staying current with advances in automation, control systems, and regulatory expectations.
• Appreciation for working in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment with colleagues bringing a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

Work Environment

This is a hands-on role based in a manufacturing environment at an imaging production site in Raleigh. You will spend significant time on the shop floor working directly with automated equipment, instrumentation, and control systems, often with little or no direct supervision. The environment follows cGMP and EHS standards, requiring strict adherence to safety, quality, and documentation procedures. You will use technologies such as Distributed Control Systems (Foxboro I/A preferred), PLCs and HMIs (Allen-Bradley preferred), SCADA systems, industrial communication networks, and standard PC applications, along with project management software like Microsoft Project. The culture emphasizes technical excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration, with strong support for personal development and growth in a global organization focused on diagnostic and interventional imaging and improving patients’ quality of life.

This is a Permanent position based out of Raleigh, NC.

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $55.00/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 Raleigh,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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 process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.