Automation and Controls Process Development Engineer

About the role

This role is responsible for developing new manufacturing processes and overseeing Controls and Automation workstreams within capital projects. It ensures that automation strategies are properly designed, integrated, and executed to drive operational improvements. The position focuses on eliminating or reengineering manual tasks, advancing future-of-work initiatives, and enabling safer, more efficient, and more reliable production operations. The successful candidate works closely with plant operations teams, leveraging resources and guiding technical teams to achieve site goals. This role collaborates with Process SME Engineers, OC IT, Capital Team, R&D Team, and Quality Team, as well as Site Operations, to enhance manufacturing processes leading to quality Door products.

This position reports to the Process Development Manager and supports 4-6 plants in the Doors Division. Preference is given to candidates who live near the Charlotte, NC or Atlanta, GA area or other Owens Corning Doors locations. Travel is typically 40-50% as needed, with remote work during travel weeks.

Responsibilities

• Safety
  • Ensure a safe work environment through employee coaching and engagement.
  • Effectively communicate Owens Corning’s Safety Stand with external contractors/parties and ensure they work according to safety standards.
  • Ensure all processes/automation adhere to OC Safety Standards.
  • Lead by example through hazard recognition and elimination.
• Process Automation and Optimization
  • Provide support to sites with a customer-centric approach by collaborating with plant teams to develop process/automation projects that eliminate Dull, Dangerous, and Dirty tasks.
  • Collaborate with Process SME Engineers to identify process needs and limits, and design automation meeting those specifications.
  • Design and implement automated systems, including robotics, PLCs, and control systems.
  • Develop and maintain standards for automation architecture, programming, and documentation.
  • Collaborate with operations, IT, and quality teams to identify automation opportunities and deliver cost-effective solutions.
  • Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful execution.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and cybersecurity requirements for automated systems.
  • Facilitate engagement with capital engineering, IT, Productivity, reliability, and Quality Teams to ensure projects and goals are met.
  • Remove roadblocks and reassign resources as needed.
  • Guide team members in analyzing process data and providing feedback to plants to optimize performance.
  • Ensure effective use of new process technologies (Digital Manufacturing) in Doors operations.
  • Promote networking between plants, R&D, and other groups to identify and implement best practices.
  • Implement root-cause analysis and corrective actions for issues surfaced through automation losses, leveraging digital tools.
• Design and Commissioning of Capital & Productivity Projects
  • Identify and implement equipment improvements, working directly with the Capital Engineering and Productivity teams.
  • Use a comprehensive Management of Change process on projects, with Lessons Learned after completion.
  • Ensure preventative and predictive plans, work instructions, and other procedures related to installation, maintenance, and repair of plant equipment are built and executed.
  • Aid in the development and implementation of the Doors capital plan, site improvement plans, and process stability plan.
  • Commission and support project startup as the technical and process resource when applicable, working directly with plant and Capital engineering teams.
• Coaching and Consulting
  • Execute training plans for plant Operations/Maint/Technical Leaders and create a continuous learning environment for employees.
  • Train and direct the work of skilled craft people in advanced process control understanding.
  • Document knowledge into a knowledge repository and share it with key personnel and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or related field. Additional 4 years of experience in lieu of engineering degree.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience within a manufacturing or technical environment; heavy manufacturing in a Discrete operation or Doors industry highly preferred.
• Experience in industrial automation, robotics, and control systems integration.
• Knowledge of PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial networking.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles, TPM, and process optimization.
• Proficiency in automation software and tools (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Python for scripting).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across technical and non-technical teams.
• Ability to lead complex automation projects from concept to implementation.
• Ability to adapt to emerging technologies and changing business needs.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Certification in Six Sigma (Green Belt) preferred.

Skills

• Ability to analyze and use data to drive sustainable equipment improvements.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities or projects simultaneously.
• Ability to influence without authority.
• Can use data effectively to establish concrete Return on Investment (ROI) of suggestions.
• Experience working in a cross-functional team environment and effectively transferring knowledge at all levels through communication.
• Experience with project management; understanding internal and external needs.
• Computer and software competencies; skills in Braincube and Aspentech preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with Root Cause Analysis, failure modes effects and analysis, and other Total Productive Maintenance activities preferred.

About Owens Corning

Owens Corning is a branded building products leader with three complementary market-leading businesses providing roofing, insulation, and doors primarily for residential markets in North America and Europe. The company operates with an integrated go-to-market strategy and a unique set of OC Advantages™ – including its iconic brand, unparalleled commercial strength, leading technology, and winning cost position – to help customers win and grow in the market. Owens Corning is committed to helping build better and achieve more through winning partnerships, leading performance, and engaging people. Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: OC).