Systems Engineer – Industrial Automation
Lewis Center, OH 43035
$110K–$140K (DOE)
20–40% Travel
About the Role
Step into a high-visibility role where you own the big picture.
As a Systems Engineer, you’ll act as the technical bridge across disciplines—bringing together controls, robotics, vision, and mechanical systems into fully integrated automation solutions.
This is ideal for someone who thrives on complex problem-solving, cross-functional leadership, and full project ownership.
What You’ll Do
• Lead system architecture & technical strategy for automation projects
• Define system requirements & functional specifications
• Serve as the technical liaison between engineering, customers, and PMs
• Integrate PLC/HMI, robotics, vision, and mechanical systems
• Support design reviews, risk assessments, and key technical decisions
• Lead troubleshooting during build, debug, and commissioning
• Ensure systems meet performance, safety, and quality standards
• Participate in customer meetings, presentations, and scope development
• Support FATs, SATs, and final system acceptance
• Drive continuous improvement and standardization
What You Bring
• 5+ years in industrial automation or systems engineering
• Strong experience with PLC/HMI, robotics, and vision systems
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary engineering projects
• Experience developing system architecture & functional specs
• Knowledge of industrial networking & communication protocols
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings
• Strong troubleshooting skills across multiple engineering domains
• Excellent communication with both technical teams & customers
• Background in custom automation, automotive, packaging, or material handling
• Experience with Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens PLCs
• Familiarity with Fanuc, KUKA, or ABB robots
• Exposure to machine vision systems
Why This Role
• Own high-impact automation projects end-to-end
• Work in a fast-paced, engineering-driven environment
• Influence system design, architecture, and innovation
• Clear path into technical leadership or engineering management
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Sterling Engineering, Inc.
Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:
- Engineering & Technical Recruitment - With our focus on engineering, technical, and IT, Sterling has the in-depth knowledge, industry expertise, and robust employee pipeline it takes to rapidly find talent for even the most difficult to fill positions. Sterling’s extensive recruitment methodology allows us to engage the most talented employees in the marketplace. We offer exciting work and career-building opportunities for our candidates, along with expert support at every step of the process.
- Engineering Project Services – Our experienced, multi-disciplined team of project managers, engineers, and designers, led by licensed Professional Engineers (PE), provide project management, engineering, design, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) to manufacturing, OEM, and R&D customers. We work on complex, highly technical projects across a number of industry sectors, and our ability to scale and seamlessly integrate at multiple levels of your organization is what differentiates us.
Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.