Electrical and Automation Engineer

The Opportunity

James Cropper is seeking an experienced Electrical & Automation Engineer to join our growing Advanced Materials business in Schenectady, NY.

This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, driving automation improvements, and leading a small team within a highly innovative manufacturing environment.

As our site subject matter expert for electrical, controls, and automation systems, you will play a key role in maintaining and developing the technologies that keep our operation running safely, efficiently, and reliably. From PLCs and SCADA systems to instrumentation, drives, and industrial networks, youll have the opportunity to influence critical projects that directly improve plant performance and support future growth.

In addition to your technical responsibilities, youll lead and develop a small team, providing coaching, guidance, and technical expertise while helping to build a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What Youll Be Doing

• Leading the sites electrical, controls, and automation strategy.
• Troubleshooting and optimising PLC, HMI, SCADA, instrumentation, and drive systems.
• Delivering automation and capital projects from concept through commissioning.
• Identifying opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and reliability through technology.
• Driving root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leading, coaching, and developing a small team while remaining actively involved in hands-on engineering activities.

What Were Looking For

• Degree, HNC/HND, apprenticeship, or equivalent experience in Electrical, Controls, or Automation Engineering.
• Strong experience within a manufacturing or process industry environment.
• Expertise in PLC programming, fault finding, controls systems, instrumentation, and industrial automation.
• Proven project delivery experience and strong problem-solving skills.
• Previous supervisory, mentoring, or team leadership experience is advantageous.

Why Join James Cropper?

At James Cropper, youll be part of a business that combines over 180 years of innovation with a future-focused approach to advanced materials and sustainable manufacturing. Youll be empowered to make meaningful improvements, lead exciting projects, and develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive Medical Insurance
• Dental Coverage
• 401(k) with Company Matching
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Career Development Opportunities
• Opportunity to lead a small, high-performing team
• Work on innovative technologies supporting future energy and advanced materials applications

If youre an ambitious Electrical & Automation Engineer looking for a role where you can combine technical expertise, leadership, and continuous improvement, wed love to hear from you.

The Company

The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country. Recently, the company has won multiple workplace environment awards and has an outstanding record of employee satisfaction.

The Benefits

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The Values

• Innovation

We are creative and fearless in our work.

• Accountability

We take ownership of our work and lead from the front.

• Teamwork

We collaborate widely and build supportive environments.

If this sounds like you and you have an interest in working for James Cropper please apply today!

We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier should we identify a suitable candidate or receive a sufficient volume of applications.

Our job applicant privacy policy is available to view here.

The Company

James Cropper are global market leaders in advanced materials and paper products. Led by the Cropper family for six generations, we have an international workforce and an operational reach in over 50 countries.

Established in 1845, we manufacture paper, packaging and advanced materials incorporating pioneering non-wovens and electrochemical coatings.

We operate across multiple markets from luxury retail to renewable energy. Renowned globally for service, capability, pioneering and multi award-winning commitment to the highest standards of sustainability.

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