Getting Started as a Professional

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to start finding opportunities and earning on Automate America. Follow these steps to set up your profile, showcase your skills, and connect with companies looking for your expertise.

Your profile is your professional storefront. A complete profile is what customers read before they request you or answer your application.

Getting Started

1. Visit automateamerica.com and click "Sign Up"
2. Enter your name, email, phone number and a password
3. Enter the six-digit code we send you (there is one account type for everyone, so there is nothing to choose)

Profile Essentials

Your profile should include:

• Professional Photo: A clear, professional headshot helps customers trust who they are hiring
• Headline: A one-line description of your expertise (e.g., "Senior PLC Programmer | Rockwell & Siemens Specialist")
• Location: Your city and state, and whether you are willing to travel
• Base Rate: The rate you enter is the rate everyone sees
• Availability: Switch it on when you can take work. Only available professionals appear on the map

Your skills and experience are how companies find you. The more detailed and accurate this section, the better your matches will be.

Skills Section

Add your technical skills:

• PLC Programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, etc.)
• HMI/SCADA Development (FactoryTalk, WinCC, Ignition)
• Robotics (Fanuc, KUKA, ABB, Universal Robots)
• Industrial Networking (Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus)
• Vision Systems (Cognex, Keyence)
• Motion Control (Servo systems, VFDs)
• Electrical Design (Panel building, Schematics)

Add the brands and models you know: customers search by manufacturer and model, so name the platforms you have actually shipped against.

Many contracts ask for certifications, insurance and safety credentials. Having them on your profile means you are ready when a contract asks.

Documents Customers Often Ask For

Certifications:

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
• First Aid/CPR
• Confined Space Entry
• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
• Forklift Operation
• Manufacturer certifications (Rockwell, Siemens, etc.)

Insurance:

• General Liability Insurance
• Professional Liability/E&O Insurance
• Workers' Compensation (if applicable)

Keep the expiry dates current: an expired insurance certificate has to be replaced before you start.

Now that your profile is complete, you're ready to find work!

The Feed

Your feed puts open work that fits your skills and location first. Open hourly contracts, direct jobs and RFQs are also listed on their own pages.

Applying

When you find an opportunity that fits:

1. Open the posting and read the full description
2. Check the requirements against your experience
3. Click Apply Now
4. Add a short note to the customer saying why you fit
5. Send your application

Applying accepts the posted terms. Nothing is committed until the customer sends you an offer and you click Accept Offer.

Pro Tips

• Apply quickly—good opportunities fill fast
• Personalize every application message
• Only apply if you genuinely meet the requirements
• Keep your availability status current

Congratulations on landing a contract! Here's how to manage it successfully.

Contract Overview

Your dashboard lists the contracts you are working, with their dates and terms. Open one to see its full record.

Time Tracking

On a White Glove contract:

1. Enter your hours on the contract's weekly timesheet
2. Add a note where it helps
3. Submit the timesheet for the customer's approval
4. Approved hours are the hours you are paid for

The best part—getting paid for your work!

Payment Methods

Set up your preferred payment method:

• Direct Deposit (ACH) to the bank account on your profile
• Payment follows the net terms the customer set for the contract (shown on the contract)

Payment Timeline

Every contract carries the net terms the customer chose when posting it — for example Net 15, Net 30 or Net 60 — and you are paid on those terms. On White Glove, Automate America pays you.