Getting Started

Welcome to Automate America

Automate America connects industrial automation professionals with customers who need their expertise. Whether you're a PLC programmer, robot technician, controls engineer, or looking to hire one — you're in the right place.

Creating Your Account

Getting started is quick and free:

1. Click Sign Up or Register in the top right
2. Enter your email address and create a password
3. Verify your email by clicking the link we send you
4. Complete your basic profile information

Password Requirements

• At least 8 characters
• Include at least one uppercase letter
• Include at least one number
• Avoid common passwords and personal info

Choosing Your User Type

Automate America has three user types — choose the one that fits you best:

Professional

For contractors and employees seeking work:

• Browse and apply to contracts and jobs
• Create a profile showcasing your skills
• Submit timesheets and get paid
• Build your reputation with reviews

Customer

For companies and individuals hiring professionals:

• Post contracts, jobs, and RFQs
• Search and browse professionals
• Review applications and make offers
• Manage contracts and approve timesheets

Service Partner

For integrators who both hire AND get hired:

• Access both Professional and Customer features
• Find subcontractors for your projects
• Get hired for larger contracts
• Manage your own team of contractors

Completing Your Profile

A complete profile is essential for success on Automate America.

For Professionals

1. Profile Photo — A professional headshot builds trust
2. Location — City and state where you're based
3. Primary Occupation — Your main specialty (PLC Programmer, Robot Tech, etc.)
4. Skills — Add manufacturers and software you know (Fanuc, Allen-Bradley, etc.)
5. Experience — Years in the industry and past employers
6. Hourly Rate — Your desired base rate
7. Availability — When you can start new work

For Customers

1. Company Name — Your legal business name
2. Logo — Professional company logo
3. Industry — Manufacturing sector
4. Location — Company headquarters
5. Description — What your company does
6. Contact Info — Primary and billing contacts

Setting Up Notifications

Stay informed about important activity:

Email Notifications

Configure what triggers emails to you:

• New Applications — When someone applies to your contract
• Contract Updates — Offers, acceptances, status changes
• Timesheet Reminders — Weekly submission reminders
• Payment Alerts — When payments are processed
• Messages — When you receive new messages

Push Notifications

For instant alerts on your device:

1. Go to Settings > Notifications
2. Toggle on Push Notifications
3. Allow browser notifications when prompted
4. Select which events trigger push alerts

First Steps for Professionals

Ready to find work? Here's your action plan:

1. Complete your profile to 100% — Add photo, skills, experience
2. Set your availability to "Available Now" — Be visible in searches
3. Browse the Feed — Explore available contracts
4. Use filters — Find work matching your skills and location
5. Apply to positions — Send personalized applications
6. Respond quickly — Customers appreciate fast replies
7. Set up banking — Be ready to receive payments

First Steps for Customers

Ready to hire? Here's how to get started:

1. Complete your company profile — Add logo and description
2. Post your first contract — Click the [+] button in the Feed
3. Set clear requirements — Skills, location, duration, rate range
4. Browse professionals — Search by skills and availability
5. Review applications — Check profiles and reach out
6. Make offers — Negotiate terms and finalize contracts
7. Set up billing — Configure payment methods