Automation Engineer

About the role

Piper Companies is seeking an Automation Engineer to join a growing engineering team supporting large-scale data center, pharmaceutical, and life sciences projects. This individual will be responsible for designing and developing industrial automation systems, creating electrical and control panel drawings, supporting Allen-Bradley PLC implementations, and assisting with projects from design through commissioning. This is a direct-hire opportunity based in Charlotte, NC, with approximately 30% travel to client sites throughout the Southeast and Midwest.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop industrial automation and control systems for data center, pharmaceutical, and life sciences facilities
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and project documentation using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN
• Configure, troubleshoot, and support Allen-Bradley PLC systems and Rockwell Automation hardware
• Design control panels, select components, and ensure proper system integration and wiring practices
• Lead design efforts on major automation projects while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Support projects through design, testing, startup, commissioning, and client implementation
• Travel to customer sites approximately 30% of the time to assist with project execution and troubleshooting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field preferred
• 2-5 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or electrical design engineering
• Strong experience with AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN for controls and electrical design
• Extensive hands-on experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and Rockwell Automation products
• Strong understanding of Rockwell part numbers, component selection, and control panel wiring
• Experience designing industrial control panels and electrical systems
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 30% for project work
• Experience developing automated engineering workflows or design automation tools is highly preferred
• PLC programming experience is a plus but is not required

Pay

• Salary Range: $95,000 - $115,000 + bonus
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), and applicable sick leave