Senior Automation Engineer

VDS Consulting Group • Milwaukee, WI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Value Driven Solutions (VDS) is looking for a Senior Automation Engineer to join our interim executive bench, with this engagement deploying on-site at our PE-backed manufacturing client in the [Location] region. The Senior Automation Engineer will design, specify, and integrate automation, controls, and data systems that move the client from manual or semi-automated operations into a connected, instrumented, and intelligent production environment.
The ideal candidate will enjoy bridging OT and IT and have the ability to dig into a controls problem, weigh platform and integration options, and deliver the best possible automation outcome for the client's roadmap. The ideal candidate will apply their command of PLC, SCADA, and robotics integration and communicate effectively with vendors, maintenance teams, and engineering leadership.

Requirements

• 10+ years of industrial automation experience
• Deep expertise with at least two major PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley / Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff, Mitsubishi)
• SCADA / HMI development (FactoryTalk, Ignition, WinCC, or equivalent)
• Robotics integration experience (FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, KUKA, or Universal Robots)
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Controls, or Mechatronics Engineering

Nice To Haves

• MES, historian (PI, Ignition), and analytics platform experience preferred
• Industry 4.0, digital twin, AI/ML in manufacturing exposure; functional safety (TÜV, ISO 13849) certification a plus

Responsibilities

• Automation strategy – Lead automation strategy and roadmap definition for client sites. Develop standards, libraries, and reusable code blocks for the client's automation portfolio.
• Systems integration – Specify, design, and commission PLC, HMI, SCADA, and motion-control systems. Integrate machine vision, robotics, and material-handling automation into production lines. Architect OT / IT integration including OPC UA, MQTT, MES, and historian connectivity.
• Standards and training – Lead vendor selection, FAT, SAT, and on-site commissioning. Coach client engineering teams and document everything for sustained operation.

Benefits

• competitive contract rates commensurate with experience and seniority
• structured engagement support through a dedicated VDS Engagement Partner
• proven methodology and toolkits including the Value-Driven Approach® and Everything OpEx® frameworks
• continued business development between engagements
• access to our 360° Client Alignment® process
• deployment within days of engagement start
• exposure to diverse industries (aerospace, food, consumer goods, industrial products, medical device, semiconductor, and battery manufacturing)
• structured Contract-to-Hire path that lets both Expert and client validate fit before conversion

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior