Senior Automation Engineer

​* Simple Staffing is hiring for this position on behalf of Advizint Technologies *

Job Summary

The Senior Automation Engineer will design, develop, and implement advanced automation systems, including PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, robotics, vision systems, and electrical designs. This role requires technical expertise, project leadership, and client engagement to deliver turnkey solutions in regulated and non-regulated industries. The ideal candidate will drive innovation, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to strategic sales and industry thought leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Expertise

• Design and Implementation: Lead the design, programming, and commissioning of control systems, including PLCs (e.g., Siemens S7, Rockwell Studio 5000), HMI/SCADA (e.g., FactoryTalk, Ignition, Wonderware), and industrial networks (e.g., Modbus, Profibus, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP).

• Electrical Design: Develop power distribution, motor control (VFDs, servos, starters), and instrumentation circuits, ensuring compliance with UL508A, NFPA 70, and NFPA 79 standards.

• Robotics and Vision Systems: Program robotic tasks (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa, UR) and implement advanced vision applications (e.g., Cognex, Keyence for pattern matching, defect detection, 3D inspection).

• Validation and Documentation: Create and lead comprehensive validation packages (e.g., URS, FS, FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ/PQ) for regulated industries, adhering to GAMP 5 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 standards.

• Innovation: Explore AI and machine learning applications for predictive maintenance and process optimization, staying ahead of industry trends.

Project Leadership

• System Architecture: Oversee end-to-end control system projects, from electrical design to field commissioning.

• Team Leadership: Delegate tasks, mentor junior engineers, and provide technical reviews to ensure project success.

• Process Improvement: Develop and refine company standards and processes, contributing to industry standardization groups (e.g., ISA, IEEE, ISPE).

Client Engagement

• Relationship Management: Act as a trusted advisor, managing client communications throughout the project lifecycle to ensure scope, schedule, and budget compliance.

• Strategic Solutions: Lead client workshops to identify automation needs, propose solutions, and develop case studies to showcase project value.

• Conflict Resolution: Handle scope changes, design discrepancies, or budget challenges with strong negotiation and emotional intelligence skills.

Sales and Business Development

• Proposal Development: Lead the creation and presentation of technical proposals, emphasizing ROI and business benefits to secure project bids.

• Sales Strategy: Target specific industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, manufacturing) and leverage client relationships to drive growth.

• Client Retention: Develop strategies to retain clients and secure follow-up projects through upselling automation and validation services.

Industry Engagement

• Networking: Build a professional network by attending trade shows (e.g., Automate, PACK EXPO, ISPE Annual Meeting) and contributing to forums or LinkedIn groups.

• Thought Leadership: Publish technical articles or present at industry conferences (e.g., ISA Automation Conference) to establish expertise in industrial automation.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field preferred but equivalent work experience is considered. Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., PE, CAP, ISPE CPIP) are a plus.

Experience

• 8+ years of experience in industrial automation, with expertise in PLC programming, HMI/SCADA, robotics, electrical design, and vision systems.
• Proven track record of leading turnkey automation projects from design to commissioning.
• Experience in regulated industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals) with knowledge of GAMP 5.
• Ability to travel up to 25% (domestic).

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in PLCs (Siemens S7, Rockwell Studio 5000), HMI/SCADA (FactoryTalk, Ignition, Wonderware), and industrial networks (Modbus, Profibus, OPC UA).
• Knowledge of electrical design (AutoCAD, UL508A, NFPA 70/79) and advanced control strategies (PID, predictive controls).
• Experience with robotics (Fanuc, ABB, Yaskawa) and vision systems (Cognex, Keyence).

• Certifications: At least one vendor-specific certification (e.g., Ignition Gold, Rockwell Automation Advanced, Cognex Advanced Vision) or niche certification (e.g., NFPA CESCP, ISPE GAMP).

• Soft Skills: Strong communication, leadership, and client relationship management skills. Ability to translate technical concepts into business value for stakeholders.

• Professional Engagement: Membership in ISA, IEEE, ISPE, or similar organizations is preferred. Experience presenting at conferences or publishing technical papers is a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Projects: Work on cutting-edge automation solutions for leading industries.

• Growth Opportunities: Access training, certifications, and mentorship to advance your career.

• Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate engineers dedicated to excellence and innovation.

• Impactful Work: Deliver solutions that enhance efficiency, safety, and reliability for our clients.

• Competitive Salary & Benefits