Automation Specialist

Overview Loos & Co. holds a leading position in the global aerospace sector as the only fully integrated maker of premium quality wire, rope, and assemblies. The company operates within the Central Wire (CWI) Group of Companies, encompassing 12 locations in three countries and over 750 employees. Their precision‑manufactured components are used in mission‑critical flight control applications and across defense, medical technology, and heavy industry worldwide. Job Details Job Title: Automation Specialist | Classification: Exempt – Administrative | Location: Pomfret Center, CT | Shift: 8‑hour shift | Work Location: In person, Company does not provide relocation assistance Essential Function The Automation Specialist supports the advancement and sustainment of Central Wire’s plant floor automation strategy by independently analyzing, optimizing, and improving automated manufacturing processes. This role applies technical judgment and discretion to evaluate production challenges, recommend automation solutions, and implement approved improvements that affect safety, quality, throughput, and equipment reliability. The position operates with meaningful autonomy within defined engineering standards and serves as a developmental professional role with progression to Automation Engineer as system ownership, project leadership, and strategic scope expand. Automation Analysis & Improvement Independently analyze automated manufacturing processes to identify systemic inefficiencies, reliability risks, and automation opportunities within assigned production areas. Exercise judgment in selecting and recommending controls strategies, sensors, interlocks, and automation enhancements aligned with operational goals and safety requirements. Develop and implement incremental automation improvements following review and approval by Automation Engineering leadership. Controls & Systems Responsibility Own defined automation subsystems or production cells, including PLC/HMI configuration standards, alarm strategies, and operating parameters. Perform non‑routine PLC and HMI modifications, including logic optimization, alarm rationalization, and interface improvements, within approved change control frameworks. Evaluate automation performance data to determine corrective actions and preventative strategies. Decision Making & Discretion Apply independent judgment in diagnosing complex automation issues and determining appropriate corrective paths within established authority limits. Decide when issues can be resolved locally versus when escalation to Automation Engineers is required based on risk, scope, and operational impact. Prioritize automation improvement efforts based on production impact, quality risk, and safety considerations. Quality, Compliance & Documentation Ensure automation systems support in‑process quality controls, traceability, and documented process capability requirements. Create and maintain technical documentation, including control narratives, SOPs, configuration records, and validation evidence, in compliance with Central Wire’s quality systems. Participate in change control reviews to assess automation impacts on quality, safety, and regulatory requirements. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Serve as an automation subject‑matter resource to Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and EHS within assigned areas. Support operator and technician training on automation functionality, limits, and first‑line diagnostics. Contribute technical input to capital planning and equipment upgrade discussions without final budget authority. Qualifications (Education + Experience) Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience. 2–5 years of progressive experience supporting or implementing industrial automation in a manufacturing environment. Demonstrated ability to apply independent technical judgment in controls, automation troubleshooting, and system optimization. Working knowledge of PLC/HMI systems, industrial controls architectures, sensors, and safety interlocks. Role Details (Central Wire–specific) Location: Pomfret Center, CT (on site with regular shop floor engagement). Scope & Autonomy: Operates independently within assigned systems and standards; broader architectural decisions remain with Automation Engineers. Career Path: Promotional progression to Automation Engineer as project ownership, system design responsibility, and strategic impact increase. Company Context: Central Wire operates specialty alloy and precision wire manufacturing facilities with ISO 9001 and AS9100 certified environments. Travel: Occasional travel to vendors or other Central Wire locations may be required. Pre‑Employment Drug Testing All applicants who are offered a job with the company will be tested for drugs as part of the post‑job offer employment screening process. Export Control Notice This position may require access to export‑controlled information or items subject to U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Employment is contingent upon the applicant’s ability to comply with applicable export control requirements. Benefits Health, Dental and Vision insurance options Life insurance 401(k) with company match Paid time off Employee assistance program Employee Referral program Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Central Wire Group of Companies is a proud Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Loos & Co.