Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Houston, TX

Job Title: Controls Engineer (Siemens PLC and Robotics)

Job Description

This role focuses on commissioning, retooling, and supporting a 24/7 manufacturing line for vehicle production, with minimal downtime during a three- to six-month project. You will either specialize in Siemens PLC controls engineering or in Fanuc robotics programming, working on short, fast-paced projects that are critical to ongoing production.

Responsibilities

• Program, configure, and maintain Siemens PLCs using TIA Portal to support a 24/7 manufacturing line.
• Commission, troubleshoot, repair, debug, and optimize automation systems to minimize downtime during retooling and production.
• Integrate robotics systems with PLCs to ensure coordinated and reliable operation across the manufacturing line.
• Update and maintain industrial networks so all machines and systems communicate effectively.
• Perform commissioning work involving vision systems such as Keyence and Cognex, ensuring accurate detection and inspection.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams during commissioning and retooling to meet project milestones within short and fast timelines.
• Support shift-based production operations by addressing controls and robotics issues as they arise.
• Document changes, configurations, and programming updates to maintain clear and accurate technical records.
• For robotics-focused roles: develop, modify, and optimize Fanuc robot programs for welding, pick-and-place, and other automated tasks.
• For robotics-focused roles: lead robot programming efforts as a primary responsibility, focusing on advanced motion, sequencing, and integration with vision and PLC systems.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in PLC programming and controls engineering in an automation or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with Siemens PLCs and TIA Portal (versions 16, 17, 18, or 19) for programming, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to integrate robotics systems with PLCs and other automation equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to update and manage industrial networks so all machines communicate reliably.
• Strong troubleshooting, repair, debugging, and system programming skills for complex automation systems.
• Experience commissioning and working with industrial vision systems such as Keyence and Cognex.
• For robotics programmer roles: strong expertise in Fanuc robot programming as a primary specialization.
• For robotics programmer roles: demonstrated experience in Fanuc programming integration, including welding and pick-and-place applications.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, project-driven environment with tight timelines.
• Willingness to work swing or night shifts as required by project and production schedules.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in automation engineering, controls engineering, robotics, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience working on retooling projects for high-volume or 24/7 manufacturing lines.
• Familiarity with integrating robotics, PLCs, and vision systems into cohesive automation solutions.
• Comfort collaborating with multidisciplinary teams during commissioning and production ramp-up.
• High-level experience in robot programming for candidates focused on Fanuc robotics.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced manufacturing setting where the primary production line operates 24/7 and supports vehicle production. During commissioning and retooling, the typical shift runs from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Once the line is in full production, operations follow three shifts: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and you may need to work swing or night shifts. Projects are described as short and fast, offering exposure to critical, high-impact work on modern automation technologies, including Siemens PLCs with TIA Portal, Fanuc robots, and vision systems such as Keyence and Cognex.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Pattison, TX.

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $69.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Pattison,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 14, 2026.

About Actalent

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