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Automation Engineer Contract Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Azure Data Engineer

Cincinnati, OH ยท On-site

$111K - $134K/yr

Job Title: Data Engineer Contract: 12 Months (potential for conversion/extension) Job Location ... CD automation โ€ข Strong understanding of distributed computing concepts (partitions, joins ...

Automation Software Developer

Youngstown, OH ยท On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Automation Software Developer Youngstown, OH JuggerBot 3D builds industrial-grade pellet 3D ... By addressing additive manufacturing's biggest challenges, we work with machine shops, contract ...

... contract roles across Asia, Europe and the US. They are seeking a Robotics Process Automation ... professional who will be responsible for managing automation deliveries, ensuring adherence to good ...

Showing results 41-60

Automation Engineer Contract information

See Ohio salary details

$35.2K

$101.8K

$155K

How much do automation engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer contract in Ohio is $101,845.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,200.00 and $117,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation engineer contract?

An Automation Engineer Contract job is a temporary or project-based role where professionals design, develop, and implement automated systems to improve efficiency in manufacturing, software development, or other industries. Contract automation engineers work for a set duration, often focusing on specific automation tasks such as scripting, robotics, or process optimization. They may collaborate with teams to troubleshoot issues, enhance existing automation, and ensure seamless integration with other systems. This type of role allows flexibility in employment while providing expertise in automation solutions.

What does an automation engineer contract do?

As a contract Automation Engineer, your daily tasks often include designing, programming, and testing automation systems, troubleshooting technical issues, and collaborating with onsite engineers or project managers. You may also be responsible for documentation, system integration, and ensuring that automated solutions meet specific client requirements. Since contract roles are often project-based, adaptability and the ability to quickly onboard with new teams are important. Work environments may vary from manufacturing floors to remote project sites, offering dynamic experiences and opportunities to work on diverse automation challenges.

What skills and qualifications are needed for an automation engineer contract?

To excel as an Automation Engineer Contract, you need a solid background in programming, control systems, and process automation, typically supported by an engineering degree and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics, and certifications such as ISA/IEC 62443 are often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate within cross-functional teams and adapt to project changes. These competencies are vital to deliver robust automation solutions on time and maintain high standards in dynamic contract-based environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Automation Engineer Contract jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Automation Engineer Contract job openings:

Infographic showing various Automation Engineer Contract job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,845 per year, or $49 per hour.

Associate Manufacturing Automation Engineer - PLC Controls & Packaging Systems (Night Shift) - (JP1

3 Key Consulting

New Albany, OH โ€ข On-site

$26 - $31/hr

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support production by troubleshooting and resolving issues on packaging equipment controlled by PLCs and other automation systems.

  • Provide technical engineering support for manufacturing equipment, automation systems, and utility systems in the Inspection and Packaging area.

  • Troubleshoot electrical and automation issues, read PLC ladder logic, and collaborate with controls engineers to diagnose and fix equipment faults.


Job description

Job Title: Associate Manufacturing Automation Engineer – PLC Controls & Packaging Systems (Night Shift) - (JP15586)
Location: New Albany, OH. 43054
Employment Type: Contract
Business Unit: Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Duration: 10+ months (with likely extensions and/or conversion to permanent)
Posting Date: 07/22/26
Pay Rate: $26 - $31/hour W2
Notes: Only qualified candidates need apply. Fully onsite New Albany, OH.  Shift details: PM shift 6:00 pm – 6:30 am, 2-2-3 schedule.
3 Key Consulting is hiring an Associate Manufacturing Automation Engineer – PLC Controls & Packaging Systems for a consulting engagement with our direct client, a leading global biopharmaceutical company.
Job Description:
The Associate Manufacturing Systems Engineer provides technical engineering support for manufacturing equipment and automation systems within the Inspection and Packaging area. This role focuses on optimizing equipment performance, improving system reliability, and supporting maintenance and troubleshooting activities in a GMP-regulated manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate has a strong automation background with hands-on PLC troubleshooting experience and enjoys working collaboratively with maintenance, engineering, and operations teams to resolve complex technical issues.
This position supports non-standard shifts and plays a key role in maintaining compliance with FDA regulations, industry standards, and company quality requirements while driving continuous improvement initiatives.
The successful Associate Manufacturing Systems Engineer is a hands-on technical problem solver who quickly diagnoses automation and equipment issues, partners effectively with maintenance and operations teams, and helps maximize equipment reliability while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. They combine practical automation expertise with strong communication skills to support production and drive continuous improvement across the manufacturing operation.
Why is the Position Open?
Supplement additional workload on team
Top Must Have Skills:
  • Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment, preferably using Allen-Bradley, Siemens, and B+R.
  • Working knowledge of electrical troubleshooting, sensors, motors, VFDs, and industrial control systems.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Day to Day Responsibilities:
  • Support production by quickly troubleshooting and resolving issues on packaging equipment. Most equipment is controlled by Rockwell / Allen-Bradley controls. Others include Siemens and B&R controls.  Sub-systems on equipment include Systech serialization, Cognex cameras, SCADA
  • Provide technical engineering support for manufacturing equipment, automation systems, and utility systems in the Inspection and Packaging area.
  • Support equipment optimization strategies, system upgrades, replacements, modifications, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Troubleshoot electrical and automation issues on production and packaging equipment, minimizing downtime and improving equipment reliability.
  • Read and interpret PLC ladder logic to diagnose equipment faults and collaborate with controls engineers on corrective actions.
  • Support and troubleshoot HMI interfaces, automation controls, sensors, drives, and related electrical components.
  • Partner closely with mechanical maintenance technicians to identify and resolve equipment performance issues.
  • Evaluate utility systems, process maintenance, instrumentation, calibration, electrical systems, and technical cleaning systems to ensure compliance with GMP, FDA, and applicable industry standards.
  • Assist in root cause investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs) to improve equipment performance.
  • Support equipment qualifications, commissioning activities, and validation efforts as required.
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation including SOPs, work instructions, engineering documentation, and maintenance procedures.
  • Participate in change control activities and ensure engineering changes are executed in accordance with quality and regulatory requirements.
  • Provide technical support during planned maintenance activities and production events on non-standard shifts.
  • Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field OR equivalent combination of education and relevant automation experience.
  • 2+ years of experience as an Automation Technician, Controls Technician, Electrical Technician, or similar automation-focused role.
  • Experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret PLC ladder logic for troubleshooting purposes.
  • Familiarity with Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) and industrial automation systems.
  • Experience supporting automated packaging, inspection, or manufacturing equipment.
  • Working knowledge of electrical troubleshooting, sensors, motors, VFDs, and industrial control systems.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work effectively on non-standard shifts and respond to production support needs.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, food & beverage, or other highly automated manufacturing environments.
  • Experience working in a GMP and FDA-regulated environment.
  • Familiarity with Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs, Siemens PLCs, or similar industrial control platforms.
  • Knowledge of SCADA systems, industrial networking, and process automation.
  • Experience supporting serialization, vision systems, robotics, or high-speed packaging equipment.
  • Understanding of calibration, instrumentation, and utility systems.
  • Experience participating in root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Hands-on automation troubleshooting
  • PLC ladder logic interpretation
  • Electrical diagnostics
  • HMI operation and troubleshooting
  • Packaging equipment expertise
  • Mechanical and electrical collaboration
  • Root cause analysis
  • GMP and FDA compliance
  • Continuous improvement mindset
  • Strong communication and teamwork
  • Technical problem solving
  • Adaptability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Red Flags:
  • No demonstrated PLC experience.
  • Poor communication.

Interview process:
2 interviews, both via Microsoft Teams.
The first will be a one-on-one interview with me. 15-25 minutes.
The second will be a panel interview with two or three people. 30 - 45 minutes
We invite qualified candidates to send your resume to resumes@3keyconsulting.com.  If you decide that you’re not interested in pursuing this particular position, please feel free to take a look at the other positions on our website www.3keyconsulting.com/careers. You are also welcome to share this opportunity with anyone you think might be interested in applying for this role.