Automation Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to support data center projects in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This role offers the opportunity to work with a leading provider of industrial automation, electrical engineering, and power services across the Midwest.

• Program PLCs from scratch with at least 5+ years of experience.
• Work hands-on with I/O wiring, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Support implementation, testing, and commissioning of automation systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with PLCs, HMIs, and industrial controls.
• Collaborate with team members to enhance process control systems.
• Travel frequently to local client sites for project execution.

• 5+ years of experience with PLC programming and industrial controls.
• Hands-on experience with PLC I/O wiring, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or an associate degree with relevant experience.
• Comfortable working around industrial equipment.
• Experience in electrical testing, hardware, control systems, programming, and electrical design.

• Experience with process controls.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Knowledge of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics).
• Experience in PLC troubleshooting and electrical control design.

This role is fully onsite in Marion, with frequent travel to local client sites to implement, test, and commission automation systems. The work environment is collaborative and team-oriented, offering the chance to be at the forefront of automation capabilities expansion in food & beverage, advanced manufacturing, and industrial processing sectors. The company culture values strong client partnerships and provides opportunities for professional growth into senior engineering, project leadership, or specialty roles. The leadership team comprises hands-on technical experts who mentor and develop early-career engineers. The company ensures stability with a consistently busy schedule year-round and continues to expand geographically.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Marion, IA.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/hr.

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 Marion,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 6, 2026.

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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.