Entry Level Associate Engineer Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Job Description

This entry-level Automation Engineer role supports the maintenance, optimization, and continuous improvement of plant automation systems in a cement manufacturing environment. You will work closely with an experienced automation professional and cross-functional plant teams to maintain PLC systems, plant control computers, and networked control systems, while learning the operation of key production equipment and contributing to overall plant performance.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Automation Coordinator with the maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of PLC systems, plant control computers, plant supervisor controls, and plant network systems, including company computers.
• Support tuning and adjustment of PID loops to improve control performance and process stability.
• Promote and help implement new automation upgrades, features, and enhancements that improve plant performance and reliability.
• Work closely with the Electrical/Instrument Supervisor to maintain and improve plant optimization and ensure alignment of automation and instrumentation activities.
• Assist the Automation Coordinator in establishing, monitoring, and maintaining appropriate inventory levels of automation-related spare parts.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal customers across the plant to understand their needs and provide responsive automation support.
• Ensure all automation activities conform to established Automation, IT, and corporate guidelines, standards, and procedures.
• Operate PCs, operation computers, and process computers to monitor, troubleshoot, and adjust plant control systems.
• Learn the operation of kiln, raw mill, and finish mill systems and apply this knowledge to enhance control strategies and system performance.
• Collaborate closely with Process Engineers to understand plant equipment and its functionality, and to enhance control of main equipment for optimal plant performance.
• Participate as an active member of the plant team, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within the automation function and overall plant operations.
• Meet on-call responsibilities in a 24/7 operation, once development criteria are met, to provide support for critical automation issues as needed.

Essential Skills

• Engineering experience with a minimum of an associate degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Foundational understanding of PLC programming and control systems.
• Ability to operate PCs, operation computers, and process computers in an industrial environment.
• Interest in and aptitude for learning automation systems in a chemical or cement manufacturing setting.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team to support continuous improvement in both the functional area and overall plant operations.
• Willingness and ability to meet on-call responsibilities in a 24/7 operation once adequately trained.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to troubleshooting automation and control issues.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with internal customers, Process Engineers, and Electrical/Instrument teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in growing automation experience under the mentorship of a highly experienced (25+ years) automation engineer.
• Exposure to or experience in chemical manufacturing or similar process industries.
• Familiarity with tuning PID loops and optimizing process control systems.
• Willingness to learn the operation of kiln, raw mill, and finish mill systems and apply this knowledge to control strategy improvements.
• Motivation to promote new automation upgrades and features that enhance plant performance.
• Commitment to follow Automation, IT, and corporate guidelines and standards.

Work Environment

This role is based in a cement plant environment, with approximately 80% of the time spent in an office setting performing programming and computer-based work, and about 20% on the manufacturing floor. The office area is climate controlled and focused on computer, control system, and engineering tasks. The manufacturing floor is a warm and dusty industrial environment typical of cement production, where you will interact with equipment such as kilns, raw mills, and finish mills while supporting and observing automation systems in operation. The position supports a 24/7 operation, and once fully trained, you will occasionally participate in an on-call rotation to address critical automation issues.

This is a Permanent position based out of Sugar Creek, MO.

The pay range for this position is $60000.00 - $75000.00/yr.

Medical Telemedicine Health Advocate Service Dental & Orthodontics Vision FSA Medical & Dependent Care Paid Parental Leave Tuition Reimbursement Employee Assistance Program Wellness Incentive Bonus Program Life and AD&D Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Paid Vacation Paid Holidays 401(k)

This is a fully onsite position in Sugar Creek,MO.

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.

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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.