Automation Project Engineer

Overview Igloo Products Corp. is an iconic, fast-growing American brand known for its durable coolers designed to meet everyday needs. For more than 75 years, Igloo has been a leader in the housewares industry and has evolved into a high-growth lifestyle brand, inspiring outdoor experiences centered around fun, family, and friends. Founded in 1947 as a metalworking shop and later inventing the Playmate, Igloo has grown into America’s most recognizable brand of ice chests. The Igloo story spans more than 75 years of delivering cooling solutions. Today, Igloo has over 90% brand awareness, is #1 in market share in the U.S., and is a pioneer in sustainability within its category through the launch of biodegradable coolers and products made with post-consumer recycled resin and other sustainable materials. Igloo also has a growing direct-to-consumer (DTC) business, building direct relationships with our consumers. In 2021, Igloo was acquired by Dometic Brands, creating the opportunity to globally grow both brands together. Built on a legacy of quality and innovation, we are seeking an Automation Project Engineer to join our team and support continued growth. This role involves identifying, developing, and implementing automation concepts to full implementation, automated machinery and processes to improve the manufacture of coolers and meet strategic goals. The role also involves finding suitable industry partners capable of delivering robust automation solutions in a fast-paced consumer goods factory. Responsibilities Serve as the Automation Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all Operations initiatives and existing equipment/processes Create the conceptual design for automated systems and act as the technical lead for automation migrations Produce and/or approve functional and detailed design specifications and provide technical leadership, support and expertise for the project team Conduct industrial searches for partners capable of delivering automated solutions Troubleshoot automation equipment to determine root cause and correct Participate and lead internal tests, such as Factory Acceptance Test, Site Acceptance Test and Commissioning, including documentation of their respective protocols Compile and author the Operator Installation Manual and Troubleshooting Guide; and provide supporting technical equipment files Provide operator and maintenance technician training across all shifts for any equipment or process automation Recommend, design, and implement upgrades to existing equipment Identify tool designs and processes to improve consistency, accuracy, and cycle times Identify and implement shop floor savings Work as part of a larger multi-disciplined project team Other duties as assigned What do we offer? Medical Vision Life Insurance Short term & Long-term disability Supplemental life insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Minimum Requirements and Qualifications A suitable background would be a solid experience within the following qualifications and experiences: Associate’s degree in mechanical engineering technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related field or 4 years equivalent work experience 3 years experience in a consumer goods plastics molding/assembly production environment Basic knowledge of PLC, HMI, communication protocols, Ethernet IP, Virtualization, ProE, AutoCAD, and automation integration English language skills: able to read, write, speak, and comprehend English Mathematics skills: able to add, subtract, multiply and divide Physical demands: manufacturing environment; able to perform any job on shop floor Work environment: production floor is hot and humid in summer and cold in winter Ability to work on collaborative multi-disciplined projects autonomously Proactive and confident decision making to execute the assigned scope of work within schedule, budget and specification Strong experience in Industrial Electrical Design, Information Technology and Automation Knowledge of tools for formulating and implementing automated process improvements and best practices in manufacturing Strong communication skills with the ability to energize people Having a global and passionate mindset working in a multi-cultural environment Willingness to travel for FAT up to 10% domestically Ability to work effectively as a team member, with little or no supervision, and communicate effectively (written and spoken) across the organization Willingness to work additional hours as necessary to complete tasks and consistently deliver quality work Be a change agent willing to teach and share knowledge Preferred qualifications include: knowledge/experience with Allen-Bradley PLC, ability to communicate in Spanish, and working knowledge of Visio, Creo or SolidWorks, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Skills and competencies Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills Basic ergonomics and anthropometrics principles People skills: team player, good negotiator, good under pressure High leadership skills Physical Demands & Conditions (Applicable to Igloo Operators, Technicians, Leaders, and other roles in manufacturing) Standing & Walking — Roles may involve extended periods of standing and walking (up to 12 hours) with brisk pace and stair climbing Postural Requirements — Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and working in low or awkward positions Operator-level roles may involve lifting up to 25 lb repeatedly Technician-level roles may involve lifting up to 50 lb multiple times per day, including overhead lifts Mechanical aids (hoists, forklifts) used where possible Fine Motor Skills & Tool Use — Use of both hands to operate tools and handle materials with precision Visual Requirements — Sufficient visual acuity for inspection and safe equipment operation Environmental Conditions Production environment with seasonal temperatures ranging from 100–120°F in summer with humidity to cooler winter conditions High noise levels; hearing protection provided and required PPE may be required depending on task Additional Job Considerations — Physically demanding roles with repetitive motions and long hours; handling heavy molds/materials; material handling equipment provided and encouraged Core Values To thrive in this role, you should share our core values: Together We build our future, We play to win, We embrace change, and We walk the talk. These values reflect the heart and soul of Dometic and define how we work. Are you our next star? If so, we would love to see your application. EEO and Compliance Dometic/Igloo is an equal opportunity employer. We provide an inclusive and equitable working environment and prohibit discrimination or harassment based on factors including gender, ethnicity, age, disability, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or family responsibilities. All applicants must be at least 18 years old and legally authorized to work in the United States. We do not tolerate child labor or any form of forced labor. This employer is required to notify applicants of their rights under federal employment laws. For more information, review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Cool Gear International