Siemens Controls Engineer Needed for Volvo Automotive Laser Marking System – $250 Daily Per Diem Included
Meta Description: Join Volvo’s Ridgeville, SC facility for a 5-day controls engineering contract. Siemens PLC/HMI expertise required. $80/hr + $104 OT + $250 per diem. November 17-21 start.
The Opportunity: Precision Controls Work at a World-Class Automotive Facility
Automate America is seeking an experienced Controls Engineer for a focused, high-impact contract at Volvo’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Ridgeville, South Carolina. This short-term engagement runs from November 17th through 21st, providing controls support for a newly installed laser marking system integrated into an existing production line.
This contract represents an exceptional opportunity for controls professionals with Siemens expertise to work with cutting-edge manufacturing technology at one of the automotive industry’s most respected brands. The position offers competitive compensation of $80 per hour straight time and $104 per hour overtime, plus a substantial $250 daily per diem to cover expenses during your engagement.
Technical Requirements: Siemens Expertise in Action
The ideal candidate brings proven experience in Siemens PLC and HMI programming, with demonstrated capabilities in commissioning and debug procedures. This isn’t an entry-level opportunity—Volvo needs a controls professional who can hit the ground running with minimal ramp-up time.
Laser marking systems require precision controls integration to ensure accurate, repeatable marking on automotive components. The system must synchronize perfectly with existing production line operations, maintaining throughput while adding critical traceability functionality. Your Siemens programming skills will be essential in fine-tuning system parameters, troubleshooting integration challenges, and ensuring reliable production performance.
While not mandatory, prior experience in Volvo manufacturing environments provides significant advantage. Familiarity with Volvo’s production standards, quality requirements, and facility protocols can accelerate your effectiveness during this compact five-day engagement.
Why This Contract Stands Out: Compensation and Logistics
Let’s talk about the complete compensation package, because this contract delivers exceptional value for controls professionals. The base rate of $80 per hour straight time already positions this opportunity competitively within the automotive controls market. Factor in overtime at $104 per hour, and you’re looking at strong earning potential over the five-day engagement.
Here’s where it gets even better: the $250 daily per diem. This isn’t a token meal allowance—it’s substantial daily compensation covering lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. Over the five-day contract period, that’s $1,250 in per diem alone, significantly enhancing the total package value. The per diem ensures you can focus entirely on the technical work without worrying about out-of-pocket travel expenses.
The work schedule runs Monday through Friday with ten-hour days expected. This concentrated schedule allows you to deliver maximum impact during the compressed timeline while maintaining work-life balance with predictable weekday hours. No weekend work, no unpredictable shift rotations—just focused, intensive controls engineering work when you’re needed most.
The Location: Ridgeville, South Carolina and Volvo’s Advanced Manufacturing
Volvo’s Ridgeville facility represents one of the most advanced automotive manufacturing operations in North America. The plant produces vehicles for the U.S. market using cutting-edge automation, robotics, and quality control systems. Working at this facility means exposure to world-class manufacturing practices and the opportunity to add a globally recognized automotive brand to your professional experience.
Ridgeville itself is located in the Charleston metropolitan area, providing easy access to regional amenities, dining, and accommodations. The area offers numerous lodging options suitable for contract professionals, and the $250 daily per diem provides ample coverage for comfortable arrangements during your stay.
For controls engineers building their careers in automotive manufacturing automation, having Volvo experience on your resume carries significant weight. The automotive industry values professionals who’ve worked in high-precision, high-volume production environments where quality and efficiency are non-negotiable.
The Technology: Laser Marking Systems in Modern Manufacturing
Laser marking technology has become essential in modern automotive manufacturing for traceability, quality control, and regulatory compliance. Unlike traditional marking methods, laser systems provide permanent, high-contrast marks without consumables or physical contact that could damage components.
Integrating a laser marking system into an existing production line requires sophisticated controls coordination. The system must communicate with upstream and downstream equipment, receive part data from MES systems, verify marking quality, and handle exception conditions—all while maintaining production line cycle times.
This is where your Siemens PLC and HMI programming expertise becomes critical. You’ll be working with proven industrial automation platforms that Volvo relies on for mission-critical production operations. The commissioning and debug work ensures the laser marking system operates reliably within the larger production ecosystem.
The hands-on nature of this work means you’ll gain valuable experience with current laser marking technology applications in automotive manufacturing. These skills transfer directly to other automotive contracts and advanced manufacturing environments where traceability requirements continue expanding.
Why Contract Engineering Makes Sense for This Project
Volvo’s decision to bring in contract controls expertise for this laser marking system integration demonstrates smart resource management. The concentrated five-day timeline requires immediate expertise without the overhead of permanent hiring processes. They need someone who can assess the situation quickly, implement solutions efficiently, and deliver results within a compressed schedule.
For controls engineers, contracts like this offer exactly the kind of work that builds diverse experience. Rather than working on the same systems year after year, contract professionals move between different facilities, technologies, and applications. Each contract adds to your technical toolkit and industry knowledge.
The short duration also means minimal disruption to your other commitments. If you’re between permanent positions, considering contract work as a career path, or simply looking to maximize income during a concentrated period, this five-day engagement provides an ideal opportunity. The strong compensation package including the $250 daily per diem makes the focused effort financially rewarding.
The Siemens Platform: Industry-Standard Controls Technology
Siemens controls platforms dominate industrial automation across multiple sectors, with particularly strong presence in automotive manufacturing. Experience with Siemens PLCs and HMIs is consistently among the most sought-after skills in the controls engineering job market.
Volvo’s selection of Siemens technology reflects the platform’s reputation for reliability, performance, and comprehensive functionality. Whether you’re working with SIMATIC S7 PLCs, TIA Portal programming environments, or WinCC HMI systems, you’re using tools that represent industry best practices.
This contract provides an opportunity to apply your Siemens expertise in a real-world production environment with immediate, tangible outcomes. The commissioning and debug work means hands-on problem-solving using the full range of Siemens platform capabilities. These are the kinds of experiences that keep your skills current and marketable.
Automotive Manufacturing Experience: Building Your Industry Credentials
The automotive industry maintains some of the highest standards in manufacturing, with zero-defect expectations, rigorous quality systems, and continuous improvement cultures. Controls engineers who’ve proven themselves in automotive environments carry credentials that open doors across industrial automation.
This Volvo contract provides exactly that kind of credential-building opportunity. Even a five-day engagement at a world-class facility demonstrates you can operate in demanding environments with high performance expectations. Future clients and employers recognize the significance of automotive manufacturing experience, particularly with respected brands like Volvo.
If you’re already established in automotive controls, this contract keeps you active in the sector while adding another major manufacturer to your background. If you’re looking to break into automotive from other industrial sectors, the combination of Siemens expertise and this Volvo contract provides a valuable entry point.
The Application Process: How to Secure This Contract
Automate America has streamlined the contract application process to get qualified professionals connected with opportunities quickly. This matters especially for contracts with near-term start dates like this November 17th engagement—timing is everything.
The contract is posted on Automate America’s platform with full details including technical requirements, compensation, schedule, and location. The transparent format means you have all the information needed to make an informed decision about fit and interest.
For controls engineers with the required Siemens PLC/HMI programming background, commissioning experience, and debug capabilities, this represents a straightforward path to a well-compensated, focused engagement. If you additionally bring prior Volvo plant experience, you become an even stronger candidate for this specific opportunity.
Making Contract Work Part of Your Career Strategy
Contracts like this Volvo laser marking system engagement represent a growing segment of the controls engineering market. Companies increasingly rely on specialized contract professionals for commissioning work, system integrations, troubleshooting, and other focused technical initiatives.
This approach benefits everyone involved. Manufacturers get immediate access to expertise exactly when needed, without permanent hiring commitments. Controls engineers gain diverse experience across multiple facilities and technologies while often commanding higher effective compensation than permanent positions.
The $250 daily per diem on this contract exemplifies how contract work can deliver exceptional value beyond base hourly rates. When you calculate total compensation including per diem allowances, the financial picture often surpasses permanent position equivalents—especially for short-duration, intensive engagements.
For professionals building contract-focused careers, platforms like Automate America provide consistent access to opportunities across industrial automation sectors. Rather than searching multiple job boards or waiting for recruiter calls, you can browse current contracts, evaluate fit, and apply directly.
Next Steps: Join North America’s Largest Contract Marketplace
This Siemens controls engineering contract at Volvo’s Ridgeville facility won’t stay open long. The combination of a respected automotive brand, competitive compensation, substantial per diem, and focused five-day timeline makes this an attractive opportunity for qualified professionals.
If you have the Siemens PLC and HMI programming expertise, commissioning and debug experience, and are available for the November 17-21 schedule, this contract deserves your immediate attention. The $80 per hour base rate, $104 overtime rate, and $250 daily per diem create a compelling total compensation package for less than a week of focused work.
Beyond this specific opportunity, Automate America connects industrial automation professionals with contracts across North America. Whether you’re seeking Siemens-focused work, automotive manufacturing engagements, or other controls engineering opportunities, the platform provides direct access to companies that need your expertise.
Apply now or post your automation projects on North America’s largest open marketplace for industrial automation professionals.
Contact:
Tony Wallace
Automate America