Automation Engineer

Graco manufactures and markets premium equipment to move, measure, control, dispense and spray a wide variety of fluid and powder materials. What does that mean? Well, we pump peanut butter into your jar, and the oil in your car. We glue the soles of your shoes, the glass in your windows and the screen on your phone. We spray the finish on your vehicle, coatings on your pills, the paint on your house and texture on your walls. Graco is part of your daily life.

Under limited supervision and with technical guidance, the Intermediate Automation Engineer will assist others to identify cost savings opportunities, design, develop, and maintain automated processes, work cells, and/or equipment, while working with cross-functional teams to implement projects/tasks.

What You Will Do at Graco

Engineering Support

• Plan, execute, and report priorities:
  • Man-hour estimates
  • Reacting to changing priorities
• Assist in machine development through the following tasks:
  • Help determine optimal tooling for machine tending and/or assembly automation equipment
  • Assist in the capital equipment justification process as needed
  • Implement preventive and corrective actions for reducing scrap, rework, and down time
  • Research new technological ideas to facilitate continuous improvement
  • Learn design analysis using engineering tools (e.g. Finite Element Analysis and Drive Train Analysis)
• Assist the project manager in the execution of the project implementation plan by going through the processes below:
  • Process cycle time estimates and crewing estimates
  • Capital plan/budget
  • Quality assurance plan
  • Process flow and programming
  • Recommend operational standards considering crewing requirements and machine cycle time
  • Maintenance Plan
• Implement controls logic.
• Carry out record keeping and machine documentation functions related to; operator and machine safety, preventative/predictive maintenance, and general repair.
• Assist production engineers to evaluate, identify root cause, and mitigate issues related to automated processes, equipment, and/or parts.
• Provide electrical and mechanical support necessary to keep all Graco production equipment in good working order.

Continuous Improvement and Safety

• Demonstrate basic understanding of all pertinent OSHA safety regulations, as well as standards including, but not limited to, ANSI, ISO, RIA, IEC, NFPA, and NEC.
• Follow all required safety guidelines and utilize the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Inspect work for conformance to blueprints, specifications, and standards.
• Support and drive continuous improvement initiatives on both fully automated and simple machines.
• Assist in safety risk assessments to facilitate a safe working environment.
• Execute performance analysis to drive improvements on equipment reliability, availability, throughput, and cost of ownership.

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Act as the communication liaison between engineering, production, marketing, purchasing, etc. and cell leader to provide technical assistance and hands-on problem resolutions.
• Collaborate efforts with team members and works as a team player.
• Report and facilitate correction for Non-Conforming conditions.
• Maintain a productive, efficient, and team-oriented work environment.
• Working with mentor, identify new technologies to solve problems.
• Support less experienced Automation Technicians and Engineers on the team.
• Presents new projects and/or ideas to team members.

What You Will Bring to Graco

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 3+ years of automation engineering experience with electrical controls, PLCs, and vision systems.
• 40 hours of (field related) continuing education per year (this will be ongoing through onsite training, outside seminars, and training).
• Ability to disassemble equipment, diagnose problems, and reassemble in a proficient manner.
• Working knowledge of a variety of electronic controls.
• Install, maintain, and repair automated systems.
• Knowledge of safety rules and regulations to prevent unsafe set-ups, operations, or acts, which might cause injury to self, others, or the environment.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Knowledge and practical experience with pneumatics, sensors, and hydraulics.
• Self-directed with the ability to work independently, and as a team.
• Ability to take work direction and complete tasks in an organized and timely manner.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize actions to support management directives.
• Ability to work with co-workers in a manner that promotes teamwork.
• Ability to travel approximately 5% of the time.

Accelerators

• Global industrial manufacturing experience and knowledge.
• Experience with LabVIEW.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent and unrestricted basis. This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future (e.g., H-1B, TN, E-3, O-1, L-1, or employment-based permanent residence sponsorship). Candidates working under temporary employment authorization, including F-1 OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, or similar programs, are not eligible for this position.

At Graco, you truly make a difference. Your unique talents contribute to our organizational growth and future. Not only do you make a difference, but Graco’s culture empowers employees to create their own career path. Whether you choose to advance within your current department or explore new opportunities in different divisions, you have the ability to build your future. Our managers are here to provide support and guidance as you continue to grow within your career.

Graco has excellent opportunities available to individuals who want to be part of a fast-moving, growing company that is committed to quality, innovation and solving fluid handling problems for our customers. Graco is proud to be named a Best Place to Work by Fortune Magazine in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 & 2022. Graco offers attractive compensation, benefits and career development opportunities. Graco’s comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, stock purchase plan, 401(k), tuition reimbursement and more.

Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment and eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit

The base pay range for this position is listed below, exclusive of fringe benefits or other compensation. If you are hired, your final base hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, competencies, education, and/or experience. In addition to those factors, we will also consider internal equity of our current employees. Please keep in mind that the range provided is the full base salary range for the role. Hiring at or near the maximum of the range would not be typical to allow for future and continued salary growth.