Automation Engineer

General Description: Apply engineering theory and principles to automation projects. Design, develop, install, test and train personnel on new automation projects. Good communication and computer skills are required, to ensure projects are used properly and that work instructions are generated for end users. Minnesota candidates considered only!!!

Prerequisite Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering Tech, or a related technical field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
• Foundational knowledge or exposure to automation, machine design, or controls systems
• Experience with PLCs, robotics, or electrical/mechanical systems preferred
• Ability to read or learn to read mechanical drawings and electrical schematics
• Strong willingness to learn and grow in a hands-on engineering environment
• Self-motivated with a problem-solving mindset and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with engineers and technicians
• Minimum of 5 years with automation equipment/systems

Key Responsibilities:

• Mechanical Design:
  • Develop custom machine concepts and detailed mechanical designs using SolidWorks
  • End of arm tools, retrofit machines, custom machines, automated cells, etc.
  • Create assemblies, detailed drawings, and bills of materials
  • Design for manufacturability, reliability, and ease of maintenance
• Electrical Design:
  • Design electrical systems including panels, wiring layouts, and component selection using SkyCAD
  • Read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics
  • Ensure designs meet safety standards and industry best practices
  • Support troubleshooting and system validation during build and startup
• Controls & Automation Programming
  • Program and troubleshoot PLCs using:
    • Studio 5000 / RSLogix 500 & 5000 / Mapware7000
  • Develop and integrate:
    • Industrial robot programs (Fanuc Roboguide, Arburg robots & injection presses)
    • HMI interfaces (Mapware 7000, Maple Systems EBPro, FactoryTalk View Studio)
  • Design systems using state machine logic architecture
  • Commission, debug, and optimize automated systems in-house
• Project Execution & Coordination
  • Lead projects from concept through completion, including design, build, and startup
  • Develop execution plans leveraging available resources and technicians
  • Coordinate across teams to meet timelines, budgets, and customer expectations
  • Communicate effectively with customers and team members via:
    • In-person meetings, phone calls, video conferencing
  • Provide technical support during installation, commissioning, and post-delivery

Benefits offered to all full-time employees 1st of the month following 60 days of employment;

Medical insurance

Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) matching plan

Basic Life insurance

Voluntary Life insurance

LTD/STD insurance

Flexible benefits plan

Vision insurance

Generous PTO plan

Employee savings account (interest paying)

Holiday pay (8) - starts upon hire

Benefits offered after one year of full-time employment;

Employee loan

Biannual profit sharing program