Automation Controls Specialist

Aerotek

Brownsville, TX, USA

Published: 6/14/2022

Manufacturing

Full Time

Job Description

Job Title: Automation Controls Specialist

Job Description

The Automation Controls Specialist designs, installs, tests, and supports electrical and control systems used in advanced manufacturing and testing environments. This role creates clear documentation and work instructions, troubleshoots complex automation issues, and collaborates closely with engineers and production teams to improve system reliability and efficiency. The specialist also supports equipment setup and onboarding, ensuring that designs move smoothly into completed hardware and that production teams can build and test systems quickly and safely.

**This is a new construction setting that is 70/30 outdoor / indoor. Preferred candidates have instrumentation experience but you MUST be open to pulling wire.**

Responsibilities

Create, update, and document detailed work instructions for installing, configuring, and testing electrical and control systems.
Install, wire, and commission control panels, conduit runs, and related electrical infrastructure for automated systems.
Support production by quickly resolving automation and electrical issues that arise during builds and testing.
Troubleshoot programmable logic controllers (PLCs), wiring, instrumentation, and control circuits to identify root causes and implement effective fixes.
Collaborate with engineers to analyze system performance, review designs, and implement improvements to control architectures and hardware layouts.
Identify design or build problems on the manufacturing floor and propose practical, cost-effective improvements to make manufacturing and assembly easier and more reliable.
Set up, maintain, and onboard equipment required for testing, fabrication, and faster builds, ensuring systems are ready for use by technicians and engineers.
Improve processes and workflows to move designs into completed hardware more efficiently, reducing rework and improving build quality.
Install and use instrumentation such as strain gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and associated analog circuitry.
Fabricate, assemble, and repair cable harnesses, including soldering, crimping, and assembling various types of connectors.
Maintain accurate documentation and control of drawings, schematics, wiring diagrams, manuals, and related engineering documents.
Interpret and work from planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches.
Communicate clearly with engineers, technicians, and production staff to coordinate work, share status updates, and ensure issues are resolved quickly.
Adapt to changing priorities and roles while maintaining high-quality work in a fast-paced, challenging environment.
Work safely and effectively in both indoor and outdoor test site environments, following all safety procedures and best practices.

Essential Skills

Hands-on experience with conduit bending, panel building, and wire installation for industrial or automation systems.
Proficiency in PLC programming and troubleshooting automation control systems.
Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical, control, and instrumentation systems.
Experience with document control, including managing and updating technical documentation and work instructions.
Ability to read, interpret, and apply planning documents, schematics, wiring diagrams, specifications, drawings, manuals, blueprints, and engineering sketches.
Ability to install and use instrumentation such as strain gages, pressure transducers, load cells, thermocouples, RTDs, accelerometers, and analog circuitry.
Ability to fabricate and repair cable harnesses, including soldering, crimping, and assembling connectors.
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
Ability to solve complex technical problems with minimal supervision while working under tight schedules.
Ability to rapidly change roles and responsibilities while working in a high-paced, challenging work environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Experience supporting construction environments and resolving issues on active builds and tests.
Experience in improving manufacturing or assembly processes to enhance build speed and quality.
Familiarity with testing and fabrication equipment used in automation and hardware development.
Experience working on outdoor test sites or field environments.
Comfort working with both low-voltage control systems and related industrial power circuits.

Why Work Here?

You will contribute to ambitious, forward-looking technology that supports a vision of expanding human presence beyond Earth. The organization fosters a fast-paced, highly collaborative culture where problem-solvers can take ownership, innovate, and see their work quickly translated into real hardware and systems. You will work alongside talented engineers and technicians, gain exposure to cutting-edge automation and test environments, and have opportunities to grow your skills while tackling complex, meaningful challenges.

Work Environment

This role primarily supports a test site environment with approximately 70% of work performed outdoors and 30% indoors. The schedule follows a Monday through Friday workweek, typically from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You will work around active test and fabrication areas, handling electrical panels, conduit, instrumentation, and automation equipment. The environment is fast-paced and hands-on, requiring comfort with field conditions, exposure to varying weather, and adherence to safety procedures. Standard industrial attire and appropriate personal protective equipment are expected to support safe work on and around test stands, fabrication areas, and electrical systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Brownsville, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Brownsville,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

About Aerotek

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

\nCompany Description

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.