Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

About the Role

The Automation Engineer plays a key role in designing, implementing, and sustaining the automation systems that keep our manufacturing operations running. Working alongside the Lead Automation Engineer and partnering daily with Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations, this engineer will write PLC and HMI code, troubleshoot live production issues, lead smaller capital projects, and help drive the next generation of automation, robotics, and data-integration improvements on the plant floor. This is a hands-on, growth-oriented position an excellent fit for an engineer with a couple of years of controls experience who is ready to take on more ownership, learn from senior automation talent, and build a career around modern manufacturing technology.

What You'll Do

Automation Design & Implementation

• Develop and modify PLC logic, HMI screens, safety circuits, and industrial network configurations to support production needs.
• Specify and install automation hardware PLCs, drives, sensors, safety devices, and networking components.
• Support new equipment installations, line upgrades, and retrofits from concept through commissioning, startup, and validation.
• Maintain accurate electrical schematics, network diagrams, and software backups; follow established automation standards and change-management practices.

Troubleshooting & Reliability

• Troubleshoot day-to-day controls and automation issues on production equipment, working alongside maintenance and operations to restore equipment safely and quickly.
• Lead and support root-cause analysis on controls-, software-, and network-related failures, and implement durable fixes.
• Partner with the maintenance team to strengthen their first-line troubleshooting capability and ownership of automated systems.

Project Execution

• Manage automation-focused capital and continuous-improvement projects from scope definition through handoff, including timelines, budgets, and risk assessments.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, Safety, IT, and outside vendors.
• Review vendor designs and FAT/SAT documentation; ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to specification.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Identify opportunities to apply automation, robotics, and vision systems to improve throughput, quality, safety, and ergonomics.
• Support data-collection initiatives and OEE improvements that turn machine data into actionable insight.
• Continuously build your technical skills in PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision, and industrial networking, and bring new ideas to the team.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in industrial automation, controls, or manufacturing engineering.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming, HMI development, and industrial networking (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, or similar).
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and technical documentation.
• Comfort working in a live manufacturing environment on the floor, in the control cabinet, and across shifts when projects require it.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organized project habits, and a bias toward owning outcomes.

Nice to Have

• Hands-on experience with Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley platforms (Studio 5000, FactoryTalk View).
• Experience with industrial robotics (FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, or similar) and machine-vision systems.
• Familiarity with data-integration tools, historians, MES, or OEE platforms.
• Exposure to 3D modeling or layout tools (AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks, Inventor) for fixture and panel design.
• Prior experience in a regulated or high-mix manufacturing environment.