Project Automation Engineer

Position Details

Location: Anderson / Pendleton, South Carolina area

Schedule: Full-time, onsite

Assignment: Initial 12-month contract with potential extension

Potential Conversion: Contract-to-hire may become an option

Travel: Minimal, primarily domestic with occasional international travel

Compensation: $50-$65/hour, depending on experience

We are seeking a hands-on Project Automation Engineer to support capital equipment and manufacturing improvement projects at a large industrial facility in the Anderson/Pendleton area.

This is a strong opportunity for an engineer who enjoys being involved throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial design and equipment specification through installation, controls programming, commissioning, and production startup. The ideal candidate combines strong electrical and automation skills with the ability to coordinate vendors, maintenance teams, operations, and other engineering resources.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design and implement electrical and automation solutions for manufacturing equipment and capital projects


• Develop and modify PLC programs using Siemens controls


• Work with Ladder Logic, Structured Text, and GRAFCET


• Develop and configure HMI applications


• Specify and support VFDs, drives, motors, motion control, instrumentation, and related electrical components


• Create or review electrical and controls designs using CAD-based engineering tools


• Integrate controls equipment with plant networks, databases, and other manufacturing systems


• Troubleshoot automation and electrical issues during equipment installation and startup


• Support equipment commissioning, validation, and production ramp-up


• Develop project cost estimates, schedules, equipment specifications, and technical documentation


• Coordinate with equipment suppliers and contractors from design through equipment acceptance


• Participate in RFQs, equipment procurement, vendor reviews, and acceptance activities


• Provide technical support and training to maintenance personnel following project implementation


• Assist with equipment safety and ergonomic reviews


• Coordinate multiple engineering disciplines to keep projects on schedule and moving toward successful startup

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electromechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related technical discipline preferred


• Equivalent technical experience may also be considered


• Approximately 2+ years of practical engineering experience, preferably within industrial or manufacturing environments


• Hands-on experience with Siemens PLC programming


• Knowledge of Ladder Logic and Structured Text


• Experience with industrial electrical and control system design


• Experience developing or configuring HMIs


• Working knowledge of VFDs and motion control


• Understanding of industrial networks and communication between automation devices


• Ability to read, develop, or work from electrical drawings and control schematics


• Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, or startup


• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills


• Ability to communicate effectively with engineering, operations, maintenance, contractors, and equipment suppliers

Experience with robotics, FANUC equipment, machine vision, AGVs, or other advanced manufacturing technologies is a plus but not required.

Project Experience That Will Stand Out

Candidates who have taken automation or electrical projects beyond programming and into full project execution will be especially attractive. This could include experience with:

• Capital equipment installations or upgrades


• Equipment specifications and vendor selection


• Cost estimating and project scheduling


• Supplier and contractor coordination


• Factory or equipment acceptance


• Installation supervision


• Commissioning and startup


• Production ramp-up and handoff to maintenance or operations

Work Environment

This position supports a highly automated manufacturing operation utilizing technologies such as PLCs, HMIs, robotics, conveyors, drives, machine vision, automated material handling, industrial sensing, and complex production equipment.

The role is full-time and onsite, Monday through Friday, with a typical 40-hour workweek. Candidates should have some flexibility to support occasional weekend, holiday, or shutdown work when major equipment installations or startups are scheduled. Limited travel may also be required.

If you are an automation engineer who enjoys combining controls programming, electrical engineering, equipment integration, and project execution, this position offers the opportunity to take ownership of meaningful manufacturing projects from concept through production.