Automation Engineer

We are seeking a highly motivated Automation Engineer to join our manufacturing operations team. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on engineer who thrives on solving complex challenges, implementing advanced automation technologies, and driving continuous improvement across production processes.

The Automation Engineer will play a key role in aiding design, developing, optimizing, and maintaining automated manufacturing systems that improve productivity, quality, safety, and operational efficiency. This individual will work closely with cross-functional teams to support existing equipment, lead automation projects, and identify innovative solutions that enhance manufacturing performance.

The ideal candidate is passionate about technology, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, and is eager to make a measurable impact through automation and process improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Aide in the design, develop, and implementation of automation solutions for manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, robots, motion control systems, vision systems and industrial networks.
• May Lead automation projects from concept through design, installation, commissioning, and ongoing support.
• Evaluate and improve manufacturing processes to increase throughput, reduce downtime, and improve product quality.
• Support new equipment integration, process development, and production line expansions.
• Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for equipment failures and process issues.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, and external vendors to successfully execute projects.
• Develop and maintain equipment documentation, control schematics, operating procedures, and maintenance plans.
• Implement data collection, monitoring, and reporting systems to support operational excellence initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for robotics, machine vision, predictive maintenance, and smart manufacturing technologies.
• Participate in equipment acceptance testing, validation activities, and production readiness reviews.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety standards and industry regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and training to maintenance technicians and production personnel.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, quality, cost reduction, and reliability.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of experience in automation, controls engineering, manufacturing engineering, or industrial systems.
• Strong experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Experience with HMI, SCADA, motion control, robotics, and industrial automation systems.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, or similar.
• Experience reading and interpreting electrical and mechanical drawings.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and with international teams.
• Assign tasks and responsibilities to automation technicians with rigorous follow up.
• Ability to handle conflict resolution in a diplomatic and professional manner.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with machine vision systems.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with Industry 4.0, IIoT, and data-driven manufacturing technologies.
• Project management experience.
• Experience with electrical panel design and industrial control systems.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.