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Independent Contractor Automation Engineer Contract Jobs

SLB

Automation Engineer

Rosharon, TX · On-site

The Company is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor - priority referral Protected Veterans requested ... contract, or a guarantee of employment for a specific period of time. * If hired, you understand ...

Actalent

Automation Engineer

Charles City, IA

$46.65 - $64.90/hr

Train contractors and vendors on appropriate site policies and procedures before they perform work ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charles City, IA. Pay and ...

Actalent

Automation Engineer

Charles City, IA

$46.65 - $64.90/hr

Train contractors and vendors on appropriate site policies and procedures before they perform work ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charles City, IA. Pay and ...

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All JobsIndependent Contractor Automation Engineer Contract Jobs

Independent Contractor Automation Engineer Contract information

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$37K

$107.1K

$163K

How much do independent contractor automation engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor automation engineer contract in the United States is $107,126.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $123,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does working as an independent contractor automation engineer differ from being a full-time employee?

As an Independent Contractor Automation Engineer, you’ll typically handle project-based assignments with specific deliverables and deadlines, rather than ongoing tasks. Your daily responsibilities often involve collaborating remotely with client teams, attending virtual meetings, and providing progress updates. While you may have less direct supervision, you’ll need strong self-management skills and the ability to integrate quickly with different teams and workflows. This role offers flexibility, but also requires proactive communication to ensure alignment with client expectations and project goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor automation engineer?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Automation Engineer, you need expertise in automation frameworks, scripting languages (such as Python or Java), and a strong engineering or computer science background. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, Docker, and relevant certifications (e.g., ISTQB, AWS Certified DevOps Engineer) is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and effective communication are essential soft skills, especially when collaborating remotely or with diverse clients. These skills and qualities are crucial to deliver reliable automation solutions, meet project deadlines, and maintain high client satisfaction in a contract-based role.

What is an independent contractor automation engineer contract?

Independent Contractor Automation Engineer Contracts refer to agreements where an automation engineer is hired as an independent contractor, rather than a full-time employee, to design, implement, and maintain automation systems for a client or company. These contracts outline the scope of work, payment terms, project timelines, and deliverables. Independent contractors typically have more flexibility in how and when they work, but are responsible for their own taxes, benefits, and business expenses. This arrangement is common for specialized automation projects or when companies need temporary expertise.
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Independent Contractor Automation Engineer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Automation Engineer Contract job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,126 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Senior Automation Engineer/Automation Engineer/Controls Engineer

Intellectt INC

Illinois City, IL • On-site

$99K - $130K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Senior Automation Engineer

Experience: 10+ years

Location: Illinois

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation Engineer with over 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, specifically in API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) facilities. The ideal candidate will lead automation initiatives, execute CAPEX projects, ensure regulatory compliance, and support digital transformation across manufacturing operations. The role requires expertise in industrial automation systems, project execution, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead automation engineering activities for API manufacturing plants.
  • Manage end-to-end automation scope for CAPEX projects, including concept design, engineering, procurement, installation, commissioning, qualification, and handover.
  • Design, develop, configure, and maintain PLC, SCADA, DCS, and HMI systems.
  • Execute automation upgrades, modernization, and lifecycle management projects.
  • Prepare and review User Requirement Specifications (URS), Functional Design Specifications (FDS), Design Qualification (DQ), Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), Site Acceptance Test (SAT), Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) documentation.
  • Coordinate with EPC contractors, automation vendors, OEMs, consultants, and internal stakeholders during project execution.
  • Ensure compliance with GMP, GAMP 5, 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, and Data Integrity requirements.
  • Integrate process equipment with MES, ERP, historians, and reporting systems where applicable.
  • Troubleshoot automation and instrumentation issues to minimize production downtime.
  • Lead change control, deviation investigations, CAPA implementation, and risk assessments related to automation systems.
  • Support process optimization initiatives to improve equipment reliability, productivity, and energy efficiency.
  • Develop preventive maintenance strategies for automation systems.
  • Provide technical leadership and mentor junior automation engineers and technicians.
  • Support regulatory inspections and customer audits related to automation systems.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • 10+ years of automation engineering experience in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Strong experience in API manufacturing facilities.
  • Proven experience managing automation deliverables for CAPEX projects.
  • Experience in greenfield, brownfield, or plant expansion projects.
  • Knowledge of process automation standards and pharmaceutical validation practices.

Technical Skills:

  • PLC Programming (Siemens, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Schneider, Mitsubishi)
  • SCADA Systems (WinCC, Wonderware, FactoryTalk, Ignition)
  • DCS Platforms (Siemens PCS7, Emerson DeltaV, Yokogawa Centum, ABB 800xA)
  • HMI development and troubleshooting
  • Batch process automation
  • Alarm management
  • Historian systems
  • MES integration
  • Network architecture for industrial automation
  • Cybersecurity fundamentals for OT environments

Preferred Experience:

  • Automation of reactors, centrifuges, dryers, solvent recovery systems, utilities, and clean utilities in API plants.
  • Experience with serialization, digitalization, or Industry 4.0 initiatives.
  • Exposure to IIoT, cloud connectivity, predictive maintenance, and analytics platforms.
  • Experience with energy management and utility automation.
  • Vendor management and contract execution.
  • Budget planning and cost control for automation projects.