Automation Engineer

Overview

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.

Responsibilities

The Automation Engineer supports the design, development, integration, and optimization of automation and control systems across the ADS manufacturing network. This role combines technical expertise with project leadership to deliver automation solutions that improve safety, efficiency, quality, and operational performance. The Automation Engineer leads capital projects, collaborates with cross-functional stakeholders, and drives implementation of technologies that support current operations and future manufacturing capabilities

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Lead automation and controls projects from concept through implementation, ensuring project scope, schedules, budgets, and performance objectives are achieved.
• Develop business cases and project justifications for capital investments that support operational and strategic objectives.
• Design, deploy, integrate, and optimize automation systems and manufacturing technologies across production facilities.
• Manage capital projects utilizing established project management methodologies, including resource planning, risk management, stakeholder communication, and execution tracking.
• Partner with plant operations, maintenance, engineering, and IT teams to implement automation solutions and system upgrades that align with the organization's manufacturing vision.
• Support plant integration initiatives and provide ongoing technical support following implementation.
• Facilitate training and knowledge transfer to plant personnel to ensure successful adoption and long-term sustainability of new technologies.
• Apply structured problem-solving techniques to diagnose and resolve automation, controls, and manufacturing process challenges.
• Coordinate internal teams, external contractors, equipment suppliers, and other project stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
• Establish and maintain productive relationships with equipment vendors and technology partners.
• Align project teams around defined objectives, project charters, key metrics, and business outcomes.
• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining clear communication and accountability across all levels of the organization.

Job Skills

• Strong leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations, production systems, and supply chain processes.
• Experience with industrial automation, robotics, and controls systems; Fanuc robotics experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of PLC and HMI systems; Allen-Bradley experience preferred.
• Understanding of machine safety principles, risk reduction practices, and ergonomics.
• Basic mechanical design and equipment integration capabilities.
• Experience managing capital equipment suppliers and external service providers.
• Familiarity with pneumatic systems and industrial equipment.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, and Six Sigma process control principles.
• Ability to effectively prioritize work and manage multiple projects in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant automation or manufacturing engineering experience may be considered.

Preferred Experience

• 6+ years of experience in manufacturing, automation, operations, or industrial engineering environments.
• Proven experience developing and executing capital projects from concept through implementation.
• Experience managing large-scale automation, controls, or manufacturing improvement initiatives.
• Vendor and supplier management experience, including equipment procurement, installation, and performance management.
• Experience researching, evaluating, and implementing emerging manufacturing technologies and processes.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or providing technical leadership to project teams or engineering professionals.
• Demonstrated success driving operational improvements through automation, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel approximately 30% to support project implementation, commissioning activities, vendor management, and plant operations.
• Travel is primarily domestic, with occasional international travel as business needs require.

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Company Benefits:

Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

  Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection.

*100% paid by ADS.

Why Join ADS?

Growth Opportunities & Global Presence: With a global network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers, ADS offers extensive opportunities for career growth and development in various locations around the world.

Inclusive and Creative Work Culture: ADS fosters a culture of passion, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to shape industry-leading solutions. We value diverse perspectives, recognizing that they drive better ideas, processes, and performance. Our workplace is built on respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, ensuring every team member feels valued and contributes to our collective success.

Innovative & Sustainability Focused: Advanced Drainage Systems is one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year.

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EEO Statement

ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.