Automation Engineer

The Automation Engineer will be responsible for the design, programming, integration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated assembly and testing equipment, including PLC-controlled machinery, robotic work cells, and associated controls hardware. This role will work cross-functionally with manufacturing engineering, maintenance, quality, and production teams to bring automated systems from concept through commissioning (both in-house and vendor) and provide ongoing production support. We are looking for individuals who have knowledge or experience in assembly/testing and automation processes, a keen eye for safety and quality, the ability to solve problems and troubleshoot, and the desire to develop and expand their skills in a production-driven environment. The Automation Engineer will report to the PES Value Stream Manager. What You'll Do Controls Design and Programming Design, develop, and debug PLC programs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar) for assembly automation equipmentProgram and integrate industrial robots (FANUC, Universal Robots, etc.) for pick-and-place, path planning, material handling, loading/unloading, dispensing, welding, or assembly applicationsDevelop HMI screens and operator interfaces for machine control and diagnosticsDesign and implement vision system integration (Keyence or similar) for part inspection, guidance, and quality verificationConfigure and troubleshoot servo motion control systems, VFDs, and motor drivesCollaborate with mechanical and electrical design engineers during the concept and design phases to ensure controls feasibility Equipment Specification & Vendor Management Develop detailed technical specifications (URS/equipment specs) for new automation equipment, including PLC, robotics, and vision system requirementsResearch and evaluate automation equipment vendors, integrators, and component suppliers based on technical fit, cost, lead time, and reliabilitySolicit and review vendor quotes and proposals; lead technical evaluation and vendor selection processManage vendor-built automation projects from kickoff through FAT/SAT and installation, including schedule tracking, budget oversight, and change order managementReview vendor-supplied design packages, electrical schematics, and controls documentation for compliance with internal standards and specificationsAct as primary technical point of contact and lead design reviews, progress meetings, and FAT/SAT activities with external vendors and integratorsEnsure vendor equipment meets safety, quality, and performance requirements prior to acceptance and handoff to production Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement Provide technical support for installed equipment, including root cause analysis and corrective action for downtime eventsIdentify and implement improvements to improve machine uptime, cycle time, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)Support preventive maintenance programs and develop troubleshooting documentation for maintenance and production staffAnalyze production data and machine performance to identify optimization opportunitiesIntegrate mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and controls subsystems into functioning automated work cells Documentation & Compliance Create and maintain electrical schematics, I/O lists, controls architecture diagrams, and program documentation that complies with all applicable safety standardsParticipate in risk assessments and safety validation for automated equipmentMaintain version control and backups of PLC, HMI, and robot programs What You'll Bring Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field3+ years of experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs in an industrial/manufacturing environmentHands-on experience programming industrial robots and integrating them into automated systemsWorking knowledge of electrical schematics, ladder logic, structured text, and function block programmingUnderstanding of pneumatics, sensors (photo eyes, proximity, encoders), servo/motion control, and machine safety circuitsExperience with HMI development platformsStrong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose mechanical, electrical, and software issues under time pressureAbility to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and P&IDsAdvanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite The Ideal Candidate Will Also Bring Experience with FANUC and Universal Robots programming/certificationFamiliarity with machine vision systems (Keyence or similar)Experience with industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet, Modbus TCP)Experience with Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or similar 3D CAD software for reviewing mechanical designsPrior experience in high-volume assembly and testing automation, packaging automation, or similarSix Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or continuous improvement training