Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Industrial Automation Engineer – Industrial Engineer (Material Automation Focus)

Job Description

This full-time Automation Engineer role, with a focus on industrial engineering and material automation, is part of a Center of Excellence dedicated to advancing manufacturing efficiency and standardizing best practices across multiple facilities. The position centers on material flow simulation, validation of automated material handling strategies, and the development of scalable solutions that improve labor, equipment, and space utilization. You will use advanced simulation tools, data analysis, and industrial engineering principles to support innovation, operational excellence, and enterprise-wide continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead material flow simulations to evaluate line-side delivery, warehouse logistics, and automated material handling solutions.
• Develop and validate discrete-event simulation models to optimize labor, equipment, and space utilization across manufacturing operations.
• Partner with operations and engineering teams to ensure material flow strategies are scalable, sustainable, and aligned with enterprise standards.
• Conduct time studies, capacity analysis, and ergonomic assessments to identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains.
• Create, document, and maintain standard processes, metrics, and best practices for deployment and replication across multiple facilities.
• Provide technical guidance on integrating automation technologies such as AGVs, AMRs, conveyors, and robotics into plant operations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that align with lean manufacturing principles and Industry 4.0 practices.
• Analyze complex data sets, develop insights, and present clear recommendations to stakeholders to support data-driven decision-making.
• Collaborate with cross-functional and global teams to drive alignment on material flow strategies and automation standards.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of enterprise-level standards and innovations within the Center of Excellence.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
• 3–7 years of experience in industrial engineering or material simulation within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in discrete-event simulation tools such as Siemens Plant Simulation, FlexSim, AutoMod, AnyLogic, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of material flow optimization and Lean Manufacturing principles, including Plan for Every Part (PFEP) concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to build, validate, and interpret simulation models to support data-driven decision-making.
• Proven analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to collaborate across cross-functional and global teams.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and troubleshooting skills in a manufacturing and automation context.
• Experience with robotics and programming related to automation and material handling systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with automation technologies such as autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and robotics integration.
• Knowledge of ERP and warehouse management systems (WMS) and their role in supporting material flow and automation.
• Familiarity with digital twin applications for modeling and optimizing manufacturing and logistics environments.
• Prior experience working in a Center of Excellence or in a role focused on developing global standards and best practices.
• A continuous improvement mindset with a strong passion for innovation and operational excellence.
• Ability to present technical information and recommendations in a clear and concise manner to diverse stakeholders.

Work Environment

The role is based in an assembly plant environment that leverages advanced manufacturing and automation technologies. You will work closely with operations, engineering, and cross-functional teams in a setting that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and enterprise-wide standardization. The position offers exposure to cutting-edge material handling solutions, simulation tools, and Industry 4.0 practices, along with opportunities to shape enterprise-level standards and drive continuous improvement. A competitive compensation and benefits package supports long-term career growth in this high-visibility role.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Kansas City, KS.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/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 Kansas City,KS.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.