Automation Engineer II

At Niagara, we’re looking for Team Members who want to be part of achieving our mission to provide our customers the highest quality most affordable bottled water.Consider applying here, if you want to: Work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment with a chance to make an impact. Develop lasting relationships with great people. Have the opportunity to build a satisfying career.We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages for our Team Members.Automation Engineer IIThis mid-level role is responsible for leading and executing automation initiatives across manufacturing plants, including systems that integrate AI‑enabled capabilities directly into solutions. The Automation Engineer II designs programs and troubleshoots complex automation systems spanning multiple equipment OEMs and technology generations. The role emphasizes technical independence, project leadership, and the ability to mentor junior engineers, with the expectation of driving significant improvements in automation and efficiency. Drive automation solutions from concept through commissioning, requiring minimal day‑to‑day supervision. This role leverages operational data and AI‑assisted analytics to improve system reliability, performance, and decision‑making across automation platforms.Essential FunctionsAutomation Design and ImplementationOwn the programming, testing, and maintenance of PLC, HMI, and control systemsIndependently plan and execute automation projects, escalating only when scope, safety, or cost thresholds are exceededIncorporate data‑driven and AI‑assisted insights when selecting architectures, defining controls strategies, or evaluating automation design trade‑offsDesign, implement, and support automation solutions that may incorporate AI‑enabled components such as machine vision, adaptive control, intelligent inspection, optimization logic, or vendor‑embedded AI systemsExercise sound engineering judgment to identify risk, scope, or architectural decisions that require escalationOversee the commissioning and validation of new equipment and upgradesApply established control standards, programming practices, and validation approaches consistentlyProvide feedback and improvement proposals to leadership on standards, tooling, and repeatable patternsContribute reusable code, documentation, and templates to shared automation librariesEngineering Judgment and Decision MakingMake independent technical decisions within defined project and system boundariesProactively identify risks, edge cases, and failure modes before commissioningClearly document assumptions, trade-offs, and rationale when proposing solutionsTroubleshooting and MaintenanceServe as the primary technical authority for complex automation failures, performing root cause analysis and defining corrective actionsCollaborate with maintenance and production teams to resolve complex technical issuesDocument and standardize changes and updates to control systemsData Analysis and Process Improvement Independently identify, prioritize, and implement automation improvement opportunities using operational dataDesign methods to capture and store data points for post execution validations and trackingLead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, and efficiencyCollaboration and ComplianceWhile collaborating cross‑functionally, maintains ownership of automation decisions within assigned systems and projectsEnsure compliance with safety standards, company policies, and regulatory requirementsPlease note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without prior notice.QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:2 Years – Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.Proven experience with PLCs, control systems, and industrial automation.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.Provide day-to-day technical guidance to junior engineers. *experience may include a combination of work experience and educationList if any travel is required using percentage of time:50% - on averagePreferred Qualifications:4 years of experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing.Proficiency with Rockwell, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms.Familiarity with governing, validating, and supporting automation systems that include AI‑based decision logic or learning components.Experience with SCADA systems, HMIs, and industrial networks.Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies.Professional Engineering (PE) license or relevant certifications.*experience may include a combination of work experience and educationMinimum Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.Preferred: Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.Certification/License:Required: None RequiredPreferred: None RequiredForeign Language Required: None RequiredPreferred: None RequiredTypical Compensation RangePay Rate Type: Salary$87,360.12 - $126,672.19 / YearlyBenefitsOur Total Rewards package is thoughtfully designed to support both you and your family:Regular full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, while part-time, intern, and seasonal team members are offered a limited benefits package.Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation timePaid parental and caregiver leavesMedical, including virtual care optionsDentalVision401(k) with company matchHealth Savings Account with company matchFlexible Spending AccountsExpanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family membersFamily Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursementsIncome protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident planSpecial discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc. Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunitiesAnd more!* *Los Angeles County applicants only** Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the California Fair Chance Act, and any other applicable local and state laws.Any employment agency, person or entity that submits a résumé into this career site or to a hiring manager does so with the understanding that the applicant's résumé will become the property of Niagara Bottling, LLC. Niagara Bottling, LLC will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.Employment agencies that have fee agreements with Niagara Bottling, LLC and have been engaged on a search shall submit résumé to the designated Niagara Bottling, LLC recruiter or, upon authorization, submit résumé into this career site to be eligible for placement fees.SummaryLocation: Corp-Offsite - Diamond Bar, CAType: Full time