Job Title: Automation and Controls Engineer
- Educational requirements:
- 2-4-year degree in engineering, automation, mechatronics, or a related technical discipline preferred; Other technical degree with equivalent applicable experience considered.
- Minimum 2 years' experience in manufacturing controls, industrial controls, or equipment design.
- Experience with plastic extrusion and medical device manufacturing is a plus.
- Reports to: Supply Chain and Maintenance Manager
- Primary job responsibility: Leads the design, development, and support of automated systems and specialized production equipment to advance manufacturing operations. Collaborates with cross-functional teams, mentors technical staff, and ensures all activities align with company goals, safety standards, and ISO requirements.
- Essential functions of position:
Equipment Development
- Design, build, and integrate specialized production equipment systems for manufacturing operations.
- Lead projects from concept through deployment, including project planning, resource coordination, and timeline management.
- Maintain comprehensive records of new equipment designs, builds, and modifications.
Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting
- Troubleshoot and repair existing production equipment systems to ensure optimal uptime and performance.
- Maintain accurate records of equipment repairs, changes, and preventive maintenance activities.
- Manage inventory of parts and materials required for equipment repairs and builds.
Process Improvement & Data-Driven Decision Making
- Analyze production workflows and KPIs to identify and implement automation and efficiency improvements.
- Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including root cause analysis, corrective actions, and process validation (Installation Qualifications, Operational Qualifications, Process Qualifications)
- Track and report on automation project outcomes, including impact on labor reduction, cycle time, and quality.
Technical Skills
- Demonstrate strong hands-on mechanical aptitude and proficiency in SolidWorks for equipment design and documentation.
- Apply advanced knowledge of electricity, including:
- Electrical component selection
- Control systems and industrial networking
- Wire sizing, load calculations, and equipment connections
- PLCs, HMIs, servo motors, stepper motors, AC/DC motors
- Program and integrate commercial components such as temperature controllers, servo motor controllers, robotics, and vision systems.
- Interpret and create technical drawings, schematics, and documentation.
General Skills
- Exhibit strong organizational and project management skills.
- Manage multiple assignments and priorities simultaneously.
- Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Mentor and train technicians and operators on equipment systems and best practices.
- Work collaboratively in a team environment and demonstrate a continuous improvement mindset.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.
Safety & ISO Compliance
- Ensure all equipment and automation solutions comply with company safety policies, OSHA, and regulatory standards.
- Support and maintain documentation required for ISO 13485, ISO 9001, and other relevant quality management systems.
- Adhere to all personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements as defined by company policy.
- Is the work described above checked by another individual? ? YES ? NO
- Consistent motor skills and other requirements of the position:
Consistent lifting of up to 25 lbs. - Rarely
Minimum lifting of 1 lb. - Frequently
Maximum carrying distance of up to 100 ft. - Rarely
Reaching - must be able to reach machines and/or materials up to 6 ft. from the floor - Occasionally
Kneeling - Occasionally
Climbing stairs - Occasionally
Repetitive motion - right/left hand/wrist - Frequently
Repetitive motion - right/left foot/ankle - N/A
Continuous arm motions - Yes
Must be able to avoid potentially moving objects which could cause injury - Yes
Must be able to grasp and move objects consistently and regularly - Yes
Vision: intricate nature of work requires vision of 20/20 with or without corrective lenses - Yes
Must be able to use gaging equipment and tools - Yes
Must demonstrate ability to work productively and efficiently with others - Yes
Microspec offers competitive wages and benefits, including:
Sign-On Bonus
Comprehensive Health Insurance
Matching 401K plan annually after 1 year
Entry-level 2 weeks paid vacation
64 Hours personal/sick time (unused time paid out at the end of the year)
Annual discretionary bonus
Salary range-$38-$44 per hour based on experience