Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

NEXXTA is a U.S.-based manufacturing partner with four Great Lakes facilities delivering precision, speed, and scale. We serve industry leaders across transportation, energy, medical, and defense, offering tariff-free production, open capacity, and rapid ramp-up. With in-house R&D and engineering, we help customers strengthen supply chains and build confidently in America.

This Automation Engineer will focus on automation implementation for injection molding, owning the troubleshooting of secondary ops and establishing/executing assembly processes and equipment.

Job duties and essential functions:

• Implement automation objectives on the molding floor (cobots, pickers, conveyance, etc.) to reduce costs and increase operational efficiencies.
• Provide a lead role in the development, installation, and programming of robotic work cells from concept to postproduction turn-over.
• Own troubleshooting of secondary ops (pad printing, laser engraving, sonic welding, etc.).
• Consult at the estimating phase for assembly opportunities & automation opportunities as directed and then implement the quoted process in manufacturing upon release.
• Effectively communicate solutions to end-users as appropriate. Provide a highly visible customer focus.
• Lead development of in-house robotic integration projects for new or continuous improvement projects.
• Present and modify concepts for team understanding and approval.
• Work with outside vendors to determine necessary parts and estimated budgets for projects.
• Maintain and provide appropriate documentation regarding drawings, bills of material, budget tracking, safety, and program changes.
• Understand and implement the integration of safety circuits, machine interfaces (SPI Interface, etc.), and peripheral controls and devices.
• Work as a liaison with outside integrators and vendors as needed for special projects or programs.
• Train and mentor production technicians and maintenance personnel regarding troubleshooting issues and documentation.
• Assist with inspections, projects, or modifications at other facilities as needed.
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not all inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications (knowledge, skills & abilities):

• BS/BA degree in a related Engineering or technical field, or equivalent experience.
• Proficient knowledge in the following key areas: Hardware Architecture (performance testing, monitoring, operations), Hardware Benchmarking (program management, network management), Design (compliance, security), Network Engineering (planning, provision).
• Knowledge of infrastructure technology and basic programming languages or database management systems (e.g., Java, PERL, Python).
• Self-starter who can work with minimum or little supervision.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, etc.).
• Requires strong electrical and mechanical skills with the ability to think logically and analytically.
• Ability to think creatively to deliver solutions through continuous improvement.
• Above-average communication and listening skills required.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Exceptional customer service orientation.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and self-development.
• Programming of Robots – Capable of high-level robotic programming for Motoman robots. Models being used are the Motoman XRC, NX100, and DX100 controllers.
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) – Understand and perform ladder logic programming for Allen-Bradley PLCs.
• Human Machine Interfaces (HMI) – Understand operation and basic programming of HMI terminals.
• Vision Systems – Understand and program various vision systems for part inspection and verification. Systems presently being used are Keyence, Cognex, and Dalsa.
• Safety Controller / PLC – Have a strong understanding of robotic cell safety controllers, safety PLCs, or safety interlocks.
• Ability to use AutoCAD / AutoCAD LT for development of electrical prints, end-of-arm tool designs, and cell layouts.
• Ability to use 3D CAD (Solid Edge) to develop end-of-arm tools, fixtures, and tooling.
• Understand, follow, and implement current robotic industry safety standards and guidelines in the development of robotic work cells.
• The ability to identify and correct safety issues with current or future robotic work cells.