How do I create an account on FEED?

Click Sign Up in the top right corner. You can register as a Professional (contractor) or Customer (hiring company). Complete your profile with your skills, experience, and rate to get matched with opportunities.

What is the difference between White Glove and Standard contracts?

White Glove contracts include full HR/payroll services where Automate America handles billing and pays professionals directly. Standard contracts are direct relationships with our platform facilitating the connection and you manage payments directly.

When do contractors get paid?

Payment timing depends on contract terms (Net-15 or Net-30). For White Glove contracts, once your timesheet is approved and the customer pays, funds are deposited to your bank account within 2-3 business days.

How much does it cost to post a job on FEED?

Creating job posts, updates, and listings is completely FREE. You only pay if you choose to boost your listing for $50/week for increased visibility. White Glove contracts have fees built into the bill rate.

How do I submit expenses for reimbursement?

Go to Dashboard > Expenses and click New Expense Report. Upload receipts, categorize expenses, and submit for approval. Approved expenses are included in your next scheduled payment.

What is a boosted listing?

Boosting increases your listing visibility for $50/week. Boosted listings appear at the top of search results with a Boosted badge, helping you find qualified candidates faster.

Guide for Professionals

Professional Resources•Updated January 18, 2026

Welcome to FEED

FEED connects automation professionals with customers who need their expertise. Whether you're a PLC programmer, robot technician, controls engineer, or automation specialist, FEED helps you find contracts, manage your work, and grow your career.

Getting Started

Follow these steps to begin finding work on FEED:

Step 1: Create Your Account

Visit automateamerica.com
Click Sign Up
Enter your email and create a password
Verify your email address

Step 2: Complete Your Profile

A complete profile is essential. Include:

Professional photo — Clear headshot with neutral background
Headline — Your specialty (e.g., "Senior Fanuc Robot Programmer")
Location — City and state where you're based
Skills — Manufacturers, software, and technologies you know
Experience — Past employers and projects
Certifications — Relevant training and credentials
Hourly Rate — Your desired base rate

Profile Tip

Profiles with professional photos and complete skill listings get 3x more views from customers. Rate each skill honestly — it helps customers find the right match.

Step 3: Set Your Availability

Let customers know when you can start:

Status	Meaning
Available Now	Ready to start immediately (green badge)
2 Weeks Notice	Currently employed, can start in 2 weeks
1 Month Notice	Longer lead time needed
Not Available	Profile hidden from search

Finding Work

Browsing the Feed

The Feed is your main source for finding contracts:

Navigate to the Feed (home page)
Scroll through available contract cards
Click any card to view full details
Use filters to narrow by location, skills, duration, and rate

Applying to Contracts

Click on a contract that matches your skills
Review all requirements carefully
Click Apply Now
Write a personalized message (optional but recommended)
Confirm your application

Application Tips

Personalize your message — Reference specific requirements
Highlight relevant experience — Mention similar past projects
Be responsive — Check messages frequently
Keep applying — Don't put all eggs in one basket

Working on Contracts

After You're Hired

Sign Documents — Review and sign MSA and SSA
Prepare for Start — Review onboarding instructions
Report to Work — Show up ready on your start date
Track Hours — Log your time daily
Submit Timesheets — Submit weekly by Monday deadline

Weekly Timesheet Process

Timesheets are how you get paid:

Go to Dashboard → Timesheets
Click New Timesheet or select current week
Enter hours for each day worked
Add any overtime hours separately
Attach receipts for expenses (if applicable)
Submit by Monday at 11:59 PM

Important

Late timesheets delay your payment. Enter hours daily rather than waiting until the end of the week — it's easier to remember and more accurate.

Getting Paid

Payment Flow

You submit timesheet (weekly)
Customer approves (1-3 business days)
Invoice generated (automatic)
Customer pays (Net-15 or Net-30)
You receive payment (direct deposit)

Payment Methods

Method	Fee	Speed
ACH Direct Deposit	Free	2-3 business days
Wire Transfer	$25	Same day (before 2 PM ET)
Paper Check	$5	5-7 business days

Building Your Career

Tips for Success

Keep skills updated — Add new certifications and training
Maintain availability — Update status when projects end
Build relationships — Great work leads to extensions and referrals
Collect reviews — Ask satisfied customers for feedback
Stay professional — Communication and reliability matter

Growing Your Rate

Increase your earning potential by:

Building a strong portfolio of completed contracts
Earning positive reviews from customers
Adding certifications for in-demand skills
Developing expertise in rare/specialized areas
Being willing to travel or take short-notice assignments

Rate Guidance

Many successful professionals start with competitive rates to build reviews, then increase over time. A strong reputation allows you to command higher rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Create an account, complete your profile with skills, experience, and certifications, set your hourly rate, and toggle your availability to "Available for Work." A complete profile gets 3x more views from customers.

Robot programming (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, Universal Robots), PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMI/SCADA (Ignition, FactoryTalk), and vision systems (Cognex, Keyence) are highly sought after. Multi-platform expertise increases your opportunities.

Research market rates for your skills and location. Entry level: $35-55/hr, Mid level: $55-85/hr, Senior: $85-125+/hr, Specialist/Expert: $100-175+/hr. Consider starting competitive to build reviews, then increase as you establish reputation.

It depends on your skills, location, and availability. Complete profiles with in-demand skills often receive inquiries within days. Keep your availability current and apply to contracts that match your expertise for faster results.

Requirements vary by contract. Many customers require general liability insurance ($1M+ coverage). White Glove contracts may provide guidance on insurance requirements. Check each contract's requirements before applying.

Some contracts offer remote work, but most automation work requires on-site presence. Use the location filter to find "Remote" opportunities. Indicate your willingness to travel in your profile settings.

Review your SSA for termination terms (usually 2 weeks notice). Contact your Account Manager to discuss options. Ending contracts professionally protects your platform reputation and future opportunities.

Need help getting started?

Contact Support