Question 1

What is FEED by Automate America?

Accepted Answer

FEED is an automation marketplace connecting skilled trades and automation professionals with companies seeking contractors. Whether you specialize in PLC programming, controls engineering, robotics, electrical, instrumentation, or industrial maintenance, FEED is the platform where professionals find contract opportunities and employers access a vetted network of verified experts.

Question 2

How does FEED work?

Accepted Answer

FEED works in three simple steps: 1) Create a profile (professionals) or post a job (employers), 2) Search and connect with matches based on skills, location, and availability, 3) Manage contracts, timesheets, and payments all through the platform. Our matching algorithm considers over 50 factors including skills, experience, certifications, and work preferences.

Question 3

Is FEED free to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, FEED is free for professionals to join. You can create a profile, apply for jobs, and receive payments at no cost. Employers pay a competitive service fee only when they successfully hire through the platform.

Question 4

What industries does FEED serve?

Accepted Answer

FEED serves professionals across ALL industries including: Engineering and manufacturing, Information technology, Healthcare and life sciences, Finance and accounting, Construction and skilled trades, Creative and marketing, Legal and consulting, and many more. Our professionals have experience with Fortune 500 companies and small-to-medium businesses alike.

Question 5

Where is FEED available?

Accepted Answer

FEED operates throughout the United States with opportunities in all major metropolitan areas including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Atlanta, and many more. We support both on-site contracts and remote work arrangements for suitable projects.

Question 6

How do I create a professional profile on FEED?

Accepted Answer

Creating a FEED profile is simple: 1) Click "Sign Up" and select "Professional", 2) Enter your basic information and verify your email, 3) Complete your profile by adding your skills, experience, certifications, and work preferences, 4) Upload your resume and optionally add portfolio projects, 5) Set your availability and desired rate. A complete profile significantly increases your visibility to employers.

Question 7

How do I apply for jobs on FEED?

Accepted Answer

To apply for jobs: 1) Browse available contracts using filters for skills, location, and rate, 2) Click "View Details" on any contract that interests you, 3) Review the requirements and click "Apply Now", 4) Optionally add a cover message highlighting your relevant experience, 5) Track your application status in your dashboard. Employers typically respond within 3-5 business days.

Question 8

How and when do I get paid through FEED?

Accepted Answer

FEED processes payments weekly every Friday for approved timesheets. Here's how it works: 1) Submit your timesheet by Monday for the previous week, 2) Your client approves the hours (usually within 48 hours), 3) Payment is processed on Friday and deposited to your linked bank account, 4) Most contractors see funds by the following Monday-Tuesday. We also support direct deposit and offer payment history tracking in your dashboard.

Question 9

What certifications help me get hired on FEED?

Accepted Answer

Certifications that boost your visibility depend on your field. Popular ones include: Project management (PMP, CAPM, Scrum Master), Technical certifications (AWS, Google Cloud, Cisco), Professional licenses (CPA, PE, RN), Industry-specific credentials (OSHA, Six Sigma, SHRM), and vendor certifications relevant to your specialty. All certifications are displayed as badges on your profile.

Question 10

Can I work remotely through FEED?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many contracts on FEED offer remote work options, particularly for: Software development and programming, Design and creative work, Writing and content creation, Project management and consulting, Customer support and administrative roles. Each job posting clearly indicates whether remote work is available. Many contracts are hybrid, combining remote work with occasional on-site presence.

Question 11

How do I post a job or contract on FEED?

Accepted Answer

Posting a job on FEED is straightforward: 1) Create an employer account or sign in, 2) Click "Post a Job" from your dashboard, 3) Fill in the job details including title, description, required skills, location, and budget, 4) Specify the contract type (hourly, fixed-price, or temp-to-hire), 5) Review and publish your posting. Jobs go live immediately and are matched with qualified professionals in our network.

Question 12

How much does it cost to hire through FEED?

Accepted Answer

FEED uses a transparent markup model. You pay the contractor's agreed rate plus a service fee that covers: platform access, payment processing, contractor vetting, contract management, and support. The exact fee depends on the contract value and type. There are no upfront costs - you only pay when you successfully engage a contractor. Contact us for a custom quote on enterprise hiring needs.

Question 13

How do I find qualified contractors?

Accepted Answer

FEED offers multiple ways to find contractors: 1) Search our database using filters for skills, experience, and industry, 2) Post a job and receive applications from interested professionals, 3) Use our "White Glove" service where our team hand-picks candidates for your needs, 4) Browse by location to find contractors near your facility. Each profile shows skills, experience, certifications, and availability.

Question 14

What is the vetting process for FEED contractors?

Accepted Answer

FEED verifies contractors through multiple checks: 1) Identity verification and background checks, 2) Skills validation through assessments relevant to their field, 3) Reference checks from previous employers, 4) Certification verification directly with issuing organizations, 5) Work history validation. Verified contractors display badges on their profiles indicating their verification level.

Question 15

Can I hire contractors for long-term projects?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. FEED supports various engagement types: Short-term projects (weeks to months), Long-term contracts (6+ months), Contract-to-hire arrangements, and Direct placement (permanent hiring). Many employers start with a short-term contract to evaluate fit before extending. Our platform handles all the contract management regardless of duration.

Question 16

What types of professionals are on FEED?

Accepted Answer

FEED has professionals across every industry and skill set including: Software developers, engineers, designers, project managers, consultants, healthcare professionals, finance experts, marketing specialists, administrative professionals, skilled tradespeople, and many more. Filter by specific skills in your search.

Question 17

What technologies do FEED contractors work with?

Accepted Answer

Our contractor network includes experts in: Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), Programming languages (Python, JavaScript, Java, C#), Design tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite), Project management (Jira, Asana, Monday), Data analytics (Tableau, Power BI), and many industry-specific technologies.

Question 18

What skills are most in demand on FEED?

Accepted Answer

The highest-demand skills on FEED vary by industry but currently include: 1) Software development (full-stack, mobile, cloud), 2) Project management and Scrum, 3) Data analytics and business intelligence, 4) UI/UX design, 5) Digital marketing, 6) Financial analysis and accounting, 7) Healthcare administration, 8) Engineering and technical consulting.

Question 19

Do FEED contractors work with emerging technologies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many FEED contractors specialize in emerging technologies including: Artificial intelligence and machine learning, Cloud architecture and DevOps, Blockchain and Web3, IoT and edge computing, Cybersecurity, Data science and analytics, and automation technologies. Search for specific skills to find specialists.

Question 20

How does timesheet approval work?

Accepted Answer

FEED's timesheet process is simple: 1) Contractors log hours daily or weekly through the FEED app or website, 2) Timesheets are submitted at the end of each work week, 3) Employers receive notification to review and approve, 4) Approved timesheets are automatically processed for payment, 5) Both parties can view timesheet history in their dashboards. Disputes are handled by our support team.

Question 21

What payment methods does FEED support?

Accepted Answer

FEED offers flexible payment options: For contractors - Direct deposit (ACH) to US bank accounts, with funds typically arriving 1-2 business days after processing. For employers - ACH bank transfer, Credit card (for smaller contracts), Wire transfer (for large enterprises), and Net-30 terms for qualified companies. All payments are processed securely through our payment partner.

Question 22

Are FEED contractors employees or independent contractors?

Accepted Answer

FEED contractors are typically engaged as independent contractors (1099), giving both parties flexibility. However, we also support W-2 arrangements through our employer-of-record service for companies requiring traditional employment structures. The contract type is clearly specified in each job posting and agreement.

Question 23

What happens if there is a contract dispute?

Accepted Answer

FEED provides dispute resolution support: 1) First, we encourage direct communication between parties, 2) If unresolved, either party can open a support ticket, 3) Our team reviews timesheet data, communications, and contract terms, 4) We mediate to reach a fair resolution, 5) For serious disputes, we have an escalation process with binding arbitration. Most issues are resolved within 5-7 business days.

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