Automation Engineer (Greater Chicago Area)

Will an automated system perform as designed before deployment? Help us answer that question. Join our team and turn digital twins into the evidence behind better designs, controls testing, and deployment decisions.

Job Summary

We're hiring an Automation Systems Modeling Engineer to own simulation and emulation work for automated material handling systems. This onsite role can be based in the Chicago, Philadelphia, Grand Rapids, or Rochester metropolitan areas, at our offices in Aurora, IL; Philadelphia, PA; Grand Rapids, MI; or Victor, NY.

You'll work with engineering, controls, and software teams to bring mechanical layouts into 3D environments, validate system performance, and support integrated testing before deployment. This is an individual contributor opportunity to build a dedicated modeling capability and help establish the foundation for a systems engineering group.

What You'll Do

• Build and refine digital twin models from automated material handling layouts, representing equipment and material flows in a 3D environment.

• Customize model equipment and logic using C# and software extensions to support simulation and emulation needs.

• Run simulations with engineering, controls, and software teams to validate projected system rates and inform design changes.

• Develop emulation models for integrated controls and software testing, connect models to PLCs/controllers, and support testing activities.

• Prepare internal and customer-facing reports explaining modeling assumptions, simulation results, and system performance.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or Software Engineering from an accredited university, or equivalent experience. A master's degree will also be considered.

• At least four years of relevant experience, with five or more years preferred.

• Hands-on proficiency in digital twin or simulation software. Emulate3D is strongly preferred; comparable platforms are acceptable with a credible transition plan.

• Solid C# experience, or very closely comparable programming experience, used to extend or customize models.

• Comfort working with data using tools such as Excel and SQL.

• Ability to interpret mechanical drawings and layouts and work with 3D models of automated material handling systems.

• Controls/PLC familiarity sufficient to connect models to controllers. PLC programming and emulation experience for integration testing are a plus.

• Availability for onsite work near one of the listed offices and approximately 15% travel, generally in one- or two-day trips.

We offer an annual base salary of $90,000-$120,000, 15 days of PTO, and company holidays. Ready to turn models into meaningful engineering decisions? Apply today.