Automation Engineer

Job Description Automation Engineer Easton, PA – Engineering Laboratory Full-Time Engineering – Research & Development Laboratory No immigration sponsorship available About Victaulic Victaulic, headquartered in Easton, Pennsylvania, is the global leader in mechanical pipe joining solutions, delivering advanced technologies and engineering services to address complex piping challenges faced by engineers, site owners and contractors. Since 1919, our innovative solutions have improved construction productivity and reduced risks, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget. With over 6,000 employees spanning 50+ locations worldwide, our teams are dedicated to delivering advanced technologies and engineering expertise that address real-world challenges across a wide range of industries. Our sustainable solutions, made from high quality, graded scrap steel, promote circular construction by making piping systems infinitely reconfigured and minimizing environmental impact. Today, our high-quality products are used in more than 140 countries, supporting some of the world’s most critical and prestigious structures. An Industry Leader With a Heart as Big as Its Ambition and Innovation At Victaulic, we’re committed to constructing a better world for and with our people. Let’s Build a Better World Together. Our commitment to our people is built on four pillars: We build from within.We stand behind our people.We foster an environment for constant learning.We engineer change for a more stable and sustainable world. Your Impact Starts Here We’re looking for an Automation Engineer to join our Engineering Laboratory team in Easton, PA, reporting to the Engineering Lab Technical Lead – Automation. In this role, you’ll design, build, and maintain the control, automation, and data acquisition systems used to test and evaluate components and prototypes for new product and process introductions. You’ll work closely with design engineers, operations engineers, purchasers, and other internal partners to keep projects on schedule and make sure every standard and requirement is met during prototype development. This is an opportunity to apply creative problem-solving early in the product lifecycle, when prototype specifications are often still taking shape, and to own equipment projects from concept through commissioning. What You’ll Build & Own Design, maintain, and improve lab data systems so test data is organized, accessible, and delivered efficiently to the Victaulic Engineering DepartmentPlan and execute equipment builds from concept through commissioning, including scope, schedule, purchasing, and vendor coordinationTroubleshoot, maintain, and modify existing control, automation, and data acquisition systems to keep testing on scheduleDevelop and maintain PLC and HMI programs that support lab automation systemsDesign, commission, and troubleshoot servo, stepper, and VFD motion control systems for lab test equipmentDesign, build, and wire electrical control panels and enclosures for lab test systems and automation projects, adhering to applicable electrical safety standardsConfigure and troubleshoot industrial communications protocols, including EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and OPC-UAMaintain version control and change management for control system code and configuration files, and create a standardized documentation package for each piece of lab equipment and data collection systemMaintain asset inventory, configuration records, and test data, and verify that instrumentation remains NIST-traceable and compliant with ISO requirementsSupport hands-on testing, including installing instrumentation and data loggers, setting up fixtures, operating hydrostatic, pneumatic, cycle, flex, and fire suppression tests, and inspecting products and components against engineering specifications and drawingsUse lab fabrication and shop equipment to prepare fixtures, components, and test materialsManage assigned work orders and priorities, estimating and logging hours and maintaining accurate project status in Monday.comDrive continuous improvement in the lab using Lean principles, and keep the work area organized, professional, and cleanFollow all company safety requirements and procedures, and participate in testing safety reviewsWork independently with minimal oversight, owning the quality, timeliness, and results of all assigned work What You Bring Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering preferred4+ years of controls or automation experienceProficiency in maintaining and troubleshooting automation equipmentPLC programming experience (ladder, structured text, function block diagram)Experience with motion control systems (stepper, servo, VFDs), including drive configuration, encoder feedback, and motion profiles (gearing, camming)Experience managing equipment projects from design through commissioningProficiency in blueprint reading, shop math, and use of precision instrumentsWorking knowledge of process instrumentation (sensors, transmitters, pressure, flow, and temperature devices)Working knowledge of piping and fluid systems (water and compressed air), including pumps, control and solenoid valves, pressure regulation and relief, and flow and pressure measurement, with the ability to read and interpret P&IDsStrong problem-solving, creative thinking, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills, with excellent verbal and written communicationAbility to stand, bend, and kneel for extended periods in a laboratory environment; lift and carry up to 50 lbs unassisted (heavier items with mechanical assistance); and work in environments with moderate noise levels, temperature variation, and exposure to test fluids or pneumatic systemsMinimal travel, primarily between Victaulic facilities in the Lehigh Valley and New Jersey; occasional overnight travel may be needed for factory acceptance testing (FAT), vendor visits, or project discovery What Sets You Apart Experience with data systems (SQL databases, data modeling, automated data pipelines)Programming experience in LabVIEWExperience with Ignition SCADA (Perspective, Reporting, Jython, SQL)Text-based scripting experience (Python, JavaScript, C++, or similar)Experience creating electrical schematics (EPLAN, AutoCAD Electrical) and mechanical designs, models, and drawings (SolidWorks)Familiarity with AI-assisted engineering toolsA desire to continually upgrade your technical knowledge Policy Compliance Specific policies and procedures have been established by the Engineering Department to provide for the security and accessibility of electronic data and confidential information. It is the responsibility of the employee, in the daily course of doing business, to follow said policies as they relate to document management (see EOG-26). The extent to which departmental research and development information is stored electronically has vastly increased and will continue to do so. The new Federal rules pertaining to electronic discovery stipulate that substantive email communications constituted “records” under the Federal Records Act. It is therefore the responsibility of each departmental employee to understand their role in communicating via e-mails and that all e-mails must be written/responded to in a professional manner, as outlined in EOG- on sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, TN, or other work visa sponsorship) for this position. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the applicable country on a full-time basis without the need for employer-sponsored immigration support now or in the future. Equal Employment Opportunity Victaulic is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic data, or other legally protected status. (Background checks may be required as part of our pre-employment process). Victaulic Staffing Partner Communication Policy All staffing agencies are strictly forbidden from directly contacting any Victaulic employees, except those within the Human Resources/Talent Acquisition team. All communications, inquiries and candidate submissions must be routed through Victaulic’s Human Resources/Talent Acquisition team. Non-compliance with this policy may result in the suspension of partnership, cancellation of the current contract, and/or the imposition of a mandatory probation period before any future business can resume. Additionally, non-compliance may lead to a permanent ban on future business. This policy ensures a streamlined and compliant recruitment process. Let’s Build a Better World Together. Explore careers at Victaulic #TOP123