Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

The Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining automated manufacturing systems that improve production efficiency, consistency, and cost performance. This role drives automation strategy by identifying capable vendors, developing system concepts, and ensuring successful integration of automation into manufacturing operations.

The Automation Engineer is expected to deliver measurable improvements in manufacturing performance through the successful design, implementation, and support of automation systems. Performance is demonstrated by:

• Reducing production costs and labor content through effective automation solutions
• Improving uptime, reliability, and efficiency of new and existing automated systems
• Successfully launching automation projects on time, within budget, and meeting defined performance targets
• Expanding automation capability by identifying and qualifying new vendors and technologies
• Minimizing downtime through effective troubleshooting, system support, and error recovery improvements

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Automation and Controls — 50%
• Designs and implements automated manufacturing systems that increase capacity, improve uptime, and ensure repeatable performance
• Develops and integrates control systems (PLC, HMI, robotics, vision) to ensure safe, error-proof, and efficient operation
• Programs, debugs, and optimizes robotic and automated systems on the shop floor
• Interfaces automation with manufacturing equipment including welding, cutting, stamping, forming, inspection, and assembly systems
• Identifies, evaluates, and collaborates with automation vendors to deliver high-quality system builds
• Reviews and approves system designs, assembly drawings, and tooling components to ensure functionality and manufacturability
• Supports development and execution of IQ/OQ/PQ validation activities to ensure systems meet regulatory and performance requirements
• Project Management — 30%
• Leads automation projects from concept through full production implementation, ensuring alignment with technical, cost, and timeline objectives
• Develops and evaluates cost estimates, production rates, and design feasibility to support decision-making
• Drives cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful system integration and project execution
• Identifies and executes continuous improvement initiatives that enhance manufacturing performance
• Develops robust, repeatable manufacturing processes that meet defined run rates, scrap targets, and process capability requirements
• Systems Support — 20%
• Provides technical support and troubleshooting for automated and robotic systems to minimize downtime and sustain performance
• Develops preventative maintenance strategies and standard work instructions to ensure long-term system reliability
• Creates and maintains bills of material to support system builds, maintenance, and spare parts management

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field required
• 3–7 years of experience in automation, process improvement, or manufacturing engineering
• Experience with IQ, OQ, PQ validation processes and protocols required
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and develop effective solutions
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments (injection molding, metal stamping, etc.) strongly preferred
• Proven ability to independently design cost-effective, functional automation systems meeting complex requirements

Technical skills include:

• Programming and debugging PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and vision systems
• Allen Bradley (RSLogix 5000), FactoryTalk, RSLinx
• MS Office Suite; Minitab or similar statistical tools
• Blueprint reading and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Statistical Process Control (SPC), Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA / GR&R)
• Design of Experiments (DOE)