ApplyJob TypeFull-timeDescriptionManufacturing Automation Engineer IISwedesboro, NJ | Full-Time
About the Role
We're looking for a Manufacturing Automation Engineer II who thrives at the intersection of automation, continuous improvement, and hands-on engineering. In this role, you'll design, implement, and optimize automated and semi-automated manufacturing systems that improve throughput, reduce waste, and elevate product quality.
If you enjoy solving complex production challenges, working cross-functionally, and seeing your automation solutions come to life on the factory floor, this is a role where your impact will be immediate and visible.
Why Join Us
Make a real impact by designing automation that goes directly into production
Work in a collaborative, cross-functional environment where engineering drives results
Be part of a culture focused on continuous improvement, innovation, and safety
Opportunity to mentor others and grow your technical leadership
What You'll Do
As a key technical leader within manufacturing, you will:
Design, specify, procure, commission, and implement automated and semi-automated manufacturing equipment
Develop and optimize automation strategies involving PLCs, robotics, motion control, machine vision, and automated test systems
Lead and facilitate engineering activities such as DFA, PFMEA, A3 problem solving, DOE, RCA, and data analysis
Serve as the operations lead for New Product Introductions (NPI) and engineering changes (ECNs/ECRs), ensuring automation readiness
Partner with Lean/CI teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce defects, cycle time, and labor cost
Support production through automation troubleshooting, PLC logic updates, HMI adjustments, and system upgrades
Create and maintain routings, work instructions, process flows, control plans, and BOMs in ERP systems
Apply Lean Manufacturing principles (5S, Kanban, SMED, line balancing) with an automation-first mindset
Collaborate with suppliers and system integrators to evaluate and deploy new automation technologies
Ensure compliance with OSHA and machine safety standards, implementing safety systems such as light curtains, e-stops, and LOTO
Mentor and coach engineers, supporting technical growth and best practices
Work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Logistics, Maintenance, IT/OT, and Technical Sales teams
Technologies You'll Work With
PLCs & Controls: Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, Schneider Electric
Robotics: ABB, FANUC, Yaskawa Motoman, Universal Robots, Kawasaki
Vision & Sensors: Cognex, Keyence, Sick, Banner, Panasonic
Motion Control: Kinetix, Bosch Rexroth, Festo, Parker Hannifin
Design & Manufacturing Software: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Mastercam, ANSYS
Data & Quality: Minitab, JMP, SPC, MES, NI LabVIEW
ERP Systems: SAP, Oracle, Infor, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics
Requirements
What You Bring
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related), or equivalent hands-on automation experience
5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience preferred with significant responsibility for automation
Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLC-controlled production systems
Proven experience designing and supporting automated equipment (robotics, motion control, sensors, actuators, safety devices)
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve automation-related production issues
Experience supporting NPI and design changes, with DFMA/DFA focus
Working knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, routings, BOMs, and ERP/MRP systems
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel for automation data analysis
Preferred / Nice to Have
Lean or Six Sigma certification
Experience with automated electromechanical assembly or joining processes (welding, brazing, soldering)
Familiarity with CE/UL compliance, safety PLCs, and machine risk assessments
Compensation & Transparency
We believe in transparent and equitable pay. All U.S. job postings include a good-faith salary range based on role, location, experience, and internal equity. We're happy to discuss compensation openly throughout the hiring process.
Salary Description $100k - $110k