Senior Automation Engineer

The Senior Automation/Controls Engineer leads the design, development, integration, commissioning, and optimization of advanced automation systems for manufacturing operations. The role serves as a technical SME for PLC systems, robotics, HMI, motion control, machine safety, industrial networks, and manufacturing system integration, while leading automation capital projects and factory modernization initiatives.

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, robotics integration, or industrial equipment development.
• Proven experience leading automation capital projects from concept and technical specification through production implementation.
• Demonstrated expertise in PLC programming, robot programming, machine safety, controls architecture, and manufacturing system integration.
• Experience supporting high-volume or complex industrial manufacturing environments with production-critical equipment.
• Experience managing automation suppliers, system integrators, equipment builders, and technical service partners.
• Strong knowledge of machine safety, HMI, motion control, industrial networks, I/O systems, and safety circuits.
• Experience supporting high-volume or complex manufacturing environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering
• Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced automation and controls systems for manufacturing operations.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for PLC architecture, HMI development, motion control, robotics, industrial networks, and machine safety systems.
• Develop automation strategies supporting factory modernization, capacity expansion, productivity improvement, and operational excellence objectives.
• Lead automation capital projects from concept development, technical specification, and business case approval through commissioning and production stabilization.
• Perform controls architecture design, hardware specification, programming standards development, system validation, and lifecycle support planning.
• Manage industrial robot integration, robot programming, end-of-arm tooling requirements, cell optimization, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance strategies.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, IT/OT, Supply Chain, and external automation suppliers.
• Lead equipment procurement activities including RFQ development, supplier evaluations, technical bid reviews, FAT, SAT, and final acceptance activities.
• Establish automation and controls standards across manufacturing operations to improve system reliability, maintainability, cybersecurity, and supportability.
• Drive digital manufacturing initiatives including IIoT connectivity, data collection, machine monitoring, remote diagnostics, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Support new product introductions through process automation, assembly equipment development, manufacturing system integration, and production readiness activities.
• Identify productivity improvement opportunities through robotics, vision systems, automated material handling, error-proofing, and equipment modernization.
• Analyze equipment performance metrics and implement corrective actions to improve OEE, downtime reduction, throughput, labor efficiency, and yield.
• Provide technical leadership during equipment installation, startup, debugging, safety validation, commissioning, operator training, and production ramp-up.
• Coach engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel in automation, robotics, controls troubleshooting, and structured problem-solving best practices.