Automation Engineer

About the role

This full-time Automation Engineer role, with a focus on industrial engineering and material automation, supports a Center of Excellence dedicated to advancing manufacturing efficiency. The position combines simulation modeling, data analysis, and industrial engineering principles to drive innovation, operational excellence, and enterprise-wide standards in advanced manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead material flow simulations to evaluate line-side delivery, warehouse logistics, and automated material handling solutions.
• Develop and validate discrete-event simulation models to optimize labor, equipment, and space utilization.
• Partner with operations and engineering teams to ensure material flow strategies are scalable, sustainable, and aligned with business objectives.
• Conduct time studies, capacity analysis, and ergonomic assessments to identify improvement opportunities in manufacturing operations.
• Create, document, and maintain standard processes, metrics, and best practices for deployment across multiple facilities.
• Provide technical guidance on integrating automation technologies such as AGVs, AMRs, conveyors, and robotics into plant operations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aligned with lean manufacturing principles and Industry 4.0 practices.
• Analyze complex data sets, develop insights, and present clear, actionable recommendations to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of enterprise-level standards and innovations for material automation.
• Collaborate with global and cross-functional teams to ensure consistent implementation of material flow and automation strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• 3–7 years of experience in industrial engineering or material simulation within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with discrete-event simulation tools such as Siemens Plant Simulation, FlexSim, AutoMod, AnyLogic, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of lean manufacturing principles and material flow optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to build, validate, and interpret simulation models to support data-driven decision-making.
• Proven analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to present findings and recommendations to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities and the ability to troubleshoot issues related to material flow and automation.
• Experience with automation engineering concepts, including PLC programming, robotics, and automated material handling systems.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional and global teams.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a strong passion for innovation and operational excellence.

Skills

• Experience with automation technologies, including autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and robotics integration.
• Knowledge of ERP and warehouse management systems (WMS) and their role in supporting material flow and automation.
• Familiarity with digital twin applications for modeling and optimizing manufacturing operations.
• Prior experience working in a Center of Excellence or in a role focused on global standards and best practices.
• Experience in industrial or manufacturing environments with exposure to assembly operations.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and comfort working in high-visibility roles.
• Ability to develop and maintain standardized processes and metrics across multiple sites.

Work Environment

The role is based in an assembly plant environment that leverages advanced manufacturing and automation technologies, including automated material handling systems, robotics, and simulation tools. You will work closely with operations, engineering, and cross-functional teams in a Center of Excellence setting, with exposure to multiple facilities and global collaboration. The position offers a professional, high-visibility environment focused on continuous improvement, innovation, and enterprise-level standardization.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Wentzville, MO.