Sr. Automation Engineer

Job Description – Senior Automation EngineerPosition Summary:We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Automation Engineer to provide technical leadership and hands-on execution for capital projects supporting our flooring manufacturing operations. This role will lead the design, development, integration, and optimization of advanced automation systems across continuous and batch processes typical to the flooring industry. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in PLC/SCADA systems, industrial robotics, material handling, process control, and large-scale capital project execution, with a strong understanding of safety, quality, and operational excellence in high-throughput manufacturing environments.Key Responsibilities:Capital Project Management:Lead and manage large-scale automation capital projects from concept through commissioning, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and vendor coordination.Serve as the technical lead for automation-related investments supporting flooring production processes such as extrusion, coating, calendaring, curing, cutting, finishing, packaging, and palletizing.Partner with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and EHS teams to ensure projects meet operational, safety, and financial objectives.Automation System Design & Development:Collaborate with cross-functional teams to conceptualize, design, and develop automation solutions for new and existing manufacturing processes.Architect, program, and validate PLC- and HMI-based control systems, SCADA platforms, and industrial networks for new installations and retrofits.Design automation solutions that support high-speed continuous processes, recipe management, changeovers, and product traceability common to flooring manufacturing.Standardize control architectures, hardware, and software to improve reliability, maintainability, and scalability across plantsTechnical Expertise & Process Optimization:Apply mechanical engineering principles and automation expertise to optimize manufacturing equipment, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and scalability.Apply advanced automation and controls expertise to improve OEE, throughput, yield, energy efficiency, and scrap reduction.Integrate automation with mechanical systems including drives, servo motion, vision, robotics, and automated material handling systems.Analyze process data to identify improvement opportunities and implement closed-loop control strategies.System Integration & Commissioning:Interface with existing machinery and systems to seamlessly integrate new automation solutions into the production environment.Integrate new automation solutions with existing manufacturing equipment, MES systems, quality systems, and plant utilities.Lead factory acceptance tests (FAT), site acceptance tests (SAT), commissioning, and startup activities to ensure safe and reliable system performance.Provide on-site technical leadership during critical production ramp-ups.Safety, Risk, and Compliance:Conduct formal risk assessments, machine safety evaluations, and safety validations in compliance with applicable codes and standards.Ensure automation systems are designed and implemented with a strong focus on operator safety and regulatory compliance.Support continuous improvement of EHS performance through automation.Cost Control & Vendor Management:Work closely with the finance team to manage project budgets, ensuring projects are completed within established financial parameters.Develop and manage project budgets, evaluate automation suppliers and OEMs, and negotiate technical scope to control costs.Manage external integrators and vendors to ensure technical quality and project milestones are met.Quality Assurance: Implement and monitor quality control measures to uphold product quality standards during and after the implementation of automation solutions.Documentation & Standards:Create and maintain comprehensive engineering documentation including control philosophies, electrical schematics, software standards, and user manuals.Drive best practices in documentation, software version control, and change management.Training, Mentoring & Support:Train operations and maintenance teams on new automation systems, troubleshooting techniques, and best practices.Act as a technical mentor to junior automation engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of engineering excellence.Provide expert-level troubleshooting support and lead root cause analyses for chronic or complex automation issues.Troubleshooting: Respond to automation-related incidents and perform root cause analysis to resolve system malfunctions promptly. Implement preventive maintenance strategies to ensure the reliability and longevity of automation equipment.Required Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or related field).7+ years of direct automation experience executing capital projects in a manufacturing environment, preferably within the flooring, building materials, or continuous processing industries.Advanced proficiency with PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, industrial networks, motion control, and robotics.Proven experience leading projects from concept through commissioning in live production environments.Additional Skills & Experience:Experience with high-speed flooring processes (e.g., extrusion, coating, curing ovens, cutting, finishing lines).Familiarity with MES integration, production data systems, and quality tracking.Strong understanding of industrial safety standards and risk assessment methodologies.Demonstrated leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skillsWhat We OfferA commitment that Safety is #1Competitive benefits, pay, and retirement plan options!Career growth, stability, and flexible work arrangements.Responsible Manufacturing – Protecting Our Planet for the FutureWe utilize renewable energy and a closed loop recycled water process.We are committed to reducing greenhouse emissions and water consumption.We are the only flooring company recognized by the Asthma and Allergy foundation.Who we are:With a history of more than 140 years, Tarkett is a worldwide leader in innovative and sustainable flooring and sport surface solutions, generating turnover of 3.3 billion in 2025. The Group has close to 12,000 employees, 25 R&D centers, 8 recycling centers and 33 production sites. Tarkett creates and manufactures solutions for hospitals, schools, housing, hotels, offices, stores and sports fields, serving customers in over 100 countries. To build “The Way to Better Floors,” the Group is committed to circular economy and sustainability, in line with its Tarkett Human‐Conscious Design approach.Tarkett is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in backgrounds and in experiences and promote an inclusive workplace where all employees can perform at their best.SummaryLocation: Dalton, Georgia, United StatesType: Full time