Actalent
Automation Technician – Maintenance/Automation Technician
Actalent is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the
Automation Technician
role, a contract-to-hire position based in Ankeny, Iowa.
Job Description We are seeking a dedicated Maintenance Technician to support our automation initiatives and automated processing equipment. The role involves performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting automated machines, and documenting activities via a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). The ideal candidate will possess strong communication, problem‑solving, and teamwork skills. Experience with automated components, mechanical and electrical practices, and familiarity with SolidWorks CAD software is a plus. This physically demanding position requires proficiency in hand and shop tools, the ability to climb ladders, work around machinery during installation, and handle objects weighing up to 60 lbs. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.
Responsibilities
Execute and organize daily maintenance activities in the automation area.
Monitor system performance, conduct interlock tests, and ensure system availability.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues with automated machines to minimize downtime.
Modify control systems and ensure reliable data transfer between control and corporate networks.
Perform preventive maintenance and document activities in CMMS.
Develop failure analyses, working instructions, and one‑point lessons.
Train and guide the Autonomous Maintenance team, and monitor their activities.
Maintain accurate documentation and visual management metrics.
Identify and implement process, equipment, and procedural improvements.
Support the adoption of 5S practices and continuous improvement techniques (e.g., 5WHYs).
Participate in quality, safety, health, and environmental initiatives.
Assist in compliance with internal procedures and regulatory standards (NFPA 70).
Use hand and shop tools for repairs, replacements, and retrofits.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent with 3+ years of applicable experience.
Technical training in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Mechatronics.
Strong knowledge of industrial automation, instrumentation, electrical equipment, logical controls, and programmable systems.
Familiarity with regulatory standards (NFPA 70).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks (climb ladders, work around machinery, lift up to 60 lbs).
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or technical college diploma/certification.
Experience with robotics and PLC systems.
Familiarity with SAP and SolidWorks CAD software (desired but not required).
Work Environment Ankeny, Iowa – A global leader in life sciences dedicated to advancing health care and agriculture.
The Ankeny site is a key R&D facility specializing in automation engineering and advanced agricultural research, focusing on innovation in seed development, trait integration, and precision agriculture technologies.
The position operates on a 2nd shift schedule: Sunday to Wednesday, four 10‑hour days, starting at 2 PM.
Job Type & Location Contract to Hire position based out of Ankeny, IA.
Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 – $30.00/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)
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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
Equal Opportunity Employer Actalent 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, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jan 21, 2026.
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Automation Technician
role, a contract-to-hire position based in Ankeny, Iowa.
Job Description We are seeking a dedicated Maintenance Technician to support our automation initiatives and automated processing equipment. The role involves performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting automated machines, and documenting activities via a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). The ideal candidate will possess strong communication, problem‑solving, and teamwork skills. Experience with automated components, mechanical and electrical practices, and familiarity with SolidWorks CAD software is a plus. This physically demanding position requires proficiency in hand and shop tools, the ability to climb ladders, work around machinery during installation, and handle objects weighing up to 60 lbs. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required.
Responsibilities
Execute and organize daily maintenance activities in the automation area.
Monitor system performance, conduct interlock tests, and ensure system availability.
Troubleshoot and resolve issues with automated machines to minimize downtime.
Modify control systems and ensure reliable data transfer between control and corporate networks.
Perform preventive maintenance and document activities in CMMS.
Develop failure analyses, working instructions, and one‑point lessons.
Train and guide the Autonomous Maintenance team, and monitor their activities.
Maintain accurate documentation and visual management metrics.
Identify and implement process, equipment, and procedural improvements.
Support the adoption of 5S practices and continuous improvement techniques (e.g., 5WHYs).
Participate in quality, safety, health, and environmental initiatives.
Assist in compliance with internal procedures and regulatory standards (NFPA 70).
Use hand and shop tools for repairs, replacements, and retrofits.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent with 3+ years of applicable experience.
Technical training in Electrical, Instrumentation, or Mechatronics.
Strong knowledge of industrial automation, instrumentation, electrical equipment, logical controls, and programmable systems.
Familiarity with regulatory standards (NFPA 70).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks (climb ladders, work around machinery, lift up to 60 lbs).
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or technical college diploma/certification.
Experience with robotics and PLC systems.
Familiarity with SAP and SolidWorks CAD software (desired but not required).
Work Environment Ankeny, Iowa – A global leader in life sciences dedicated to advancing health care and agriculture.
The Ankeny site is a key R&D facility specializing in automation engineering and advanced agricultural research, focusing on innovation in seed development, trait integration, and precision agriculture technologies.
The position operates on a 2nd shift schedule: Sunday to Wednesday, four 10‑hour days, starting at 2 PM.
Job Type & Location Contract to Hire position based out of Ankeny, IA.
Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $20.00 – $30.00/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)
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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.
Equal Opportunity Employer Actalent 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, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jan 21, 2026.
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