Automation Engineer

About the role

The Automation Engineer is responsible for supporting automation and controls projects and will work closely with Plant Engineering, Maintenance, and Robot Technicians to drive desired results. Projects can range from new equipment procurement and installation to new product introduction, training of team members, maintenance, and troubleshooting of current processes and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and implement automated systems including PLCs, robotics, sensors, and HMI/SCADA interfaces to support new and existing manufacturing processes.
• Develop support structure plan for implementation of best practices in conjunction with facility Operational teams.
• Provide a roadmap for handoff of projects to Operations for implementation.
• Maintain spare parts inventory and lifecycle plans for controls hardware and software.
• Provide training to maintenance technicians and operators on new automated equipment and controls.
• Participate in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives (Kaizen, 5S) related to automation and controls.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong problem solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers and other employees of the organization.
• Strong knowledge of fabrication and welding processes and emerging process technologies related to cab manufacturing.
• Self-motivator able to set and achieve metric-based goals, overcome obstacles, and make timely decisions.
• Leading/managing small teams formally and/or informally.
• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC logic (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell preferred) and HMI applications for production equipment.
• Ability to interpret welding blueprint specifications and symbols required.
• Proven ability to quickly and effectively troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and software issues on automated systems.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, and wiring diagrams of new and existing systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft products, primarily Excel and PowerPoint.
• Program and support industrial robots (e.g., welding, material handling) including path programming, offsets, and end-of-arm tooling integration.
• Ensure automated systems comply with applicable safety standards (e.g., OSHA, NFPA 79, ANSI/RIA robotics safety) and support machine safety risk assessments.
• Support integration of automation data with plant systems (e.g., historians, MES, Oracle EBS) where applicable.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Controls/Automation) or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience associated with manufacturing environments in Off-Highway Equipment, Automotive, or Sheet Metal Fabrication.
• 1–2 years of project management and/or people management preferred.
• Experience interacting with internal customers across product design, manufacturing engineering, quality engineering, and cost estimating functions.