Automation System Engineer (Sumter)

Job Description

JOB TITLE : Automation Systems Engineer

DATE PREPARED : 03/2026 DATE LAST REVISED :

EXEMPT (Y/N): Yes

DEPARTMENT : e-VAC Magnetics LLC – Engineering

REPORTS TO : Engineering Manager

LOCATION: Sumter, SC

JOB SUMMARY : The Automation Systems Engineer will play a crucial role in supporting the factory automation workstream for our manufacturing facility in Sumter, South Carolina. This facility is in production of permanent magnets for automotive and commercial applications. This role will be responsible for ongoing implementation of technology and supporting system interfaces to automate the manufacturing processes, ensuring alignment with operational objectives. The Automation Systems Engineer will work closely with operations and maintenance to ensure the design, testing, and implementation of installed automation systems performs as intended.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following.

• Manage interfaces between Manufacturing Equipment and the Execution System.
• Support the installation, configuration, and maintenance of automation systems.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality assurance protocols.
• Collaborate to ensure seamless integration of automation solutions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project efficiency and effectiveness.
• Translates functional requirements to system configuration.
• Serve as a technical contact for customers.
• Has a firm competency of one or more control systems platforms or industrial processes.
• Adapts to new technologies by applying learned concepts and functionality.
• Responsible for efficiently managing, testing, implementing, and completing projects in a timely manner while meeting or exceeding project specifications.
• You will work in all areas of project hardware selection, vendor/end user/consultant interaction, programming, testing, and site support.
• Provide technical guidance and mentoring for others with a thorough knowledge of industry standards and procedures.
• Lead activities to ensure that manufacturing, construction, installation, and operational testing conform to functional specifications and customer requirements.
• Provide technical support via phone, remote access, and onsite presence.
• Responsible for the physical machine hardware used in manufacturing, the networks that connect them, and the software controlling them.
• Work closely with the Plant Engineering, MES, IT, Maintenance, and Production teams to support production and facility projects that involve networking, PLCs, HMIs, and associated software.
• Collaborate with multiple Operations teams to meet current and future continuous improvement project goals.
• Reduce downtime on production equipment due to issues with the control system.
• Lead the design and development of PLC, SCADA, and control system applications of varying complexity.
• Program and configure PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, historians, and thin client/server architectures.
• Support system integration, startup, commissioning, and qualification activities.
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing control systems and process loops.
• Strong knowledge of control networks.
• Experience troubleshooting and optimizing process control systems.
• Assumes additional responsibilities as assigned to support.
• Excellent communication.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
• Ability to work with Maintenance and skilled trades on a professional and mutually respectful manner.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE :

• Bachelors degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 5-10 years of proven experience in automation and project management, including systems projects with budgets exceeding $10 million USD.
• Strong technical engineering background in automation, controls, and/or electrical engineering.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience, such as commissioning automation lines.
• Exceptional communication skills, including verbal de-escalation, presentation skills, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams.
• High resilience, quick perception, and a balance of technical and management skills
• Willingness to travel internationally.
• Extensive Rockwell Automation knowledge including Control Logix, Servo, and Optix HMI.
• Ignition experiencer.

REQUIREMENTS :

• Travel Requirements: 10% (as needed, domestic or international travel)

LANGUAGE SKILLS :

English, German beneficial

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES

No formal direct reports

EMPLOYMENT AT WILL

This job description is intended as an outline of the duties of the position at VACUUMSCHMELZE and is subject to change by VAC from time to time. It is NOT a contract of employment. Employment at VAC is voluntarily entered into and is subject to termination by you or VAC AT WILL, with or without cause at any time, either party believes such action to be appropriate.