Automation Engineer (Automotive)

Our client, a global automotive manufacturing organization, is seeking an Automation Engineer to join its engineering team. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a highly automated manufacturing environment where you'll have ownership over automation initiatives, process improvements, and new equipment integration while collaborating with production, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams.

About the role

Join a financially stable, global manufacturer investing heavily in automation and advanced manufacturing. Work on meaningful automation projects with a high degree of ownership, long-term career growth within engineering and manufacturing leadership, and a collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automated manufacturing systems including robotics, PLCs, vision systems, conveyors, and automated production equipment.
• Program and troubleshoot PLC and HMI/SCADA systems supporting high-volume manufacturing operations.
• Integrate new automation technologies into existing production processes.
• Optimize equipment performance to improve throughput, quality, uptime, and overall equipment effectiveness.
• Lead root cause analysis and develop long-term corrective actions for automation-related issues.
• Support preventive maintenance strategies for automated equipment.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, maintenance, and engineering teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead automation projects from concept through implementation while coordinating with vendors and equipment suppliers.
• Ensure automation systems comply with industry safety standards and manufacturing best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of automation engineering experience within a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive.
• Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar).
• Experience with industrial robotics, HMI/SCADA systems, vision systems, and machine controls.
• Knowledge of industrial automation, machine safety, and control systems.
• Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software is a plus.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is highly preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary: $95,000 - $120,000 per year
• Company-paid health plan for employees
• Very generous PTO
• Dental and vision coverage
• FSA and HSA options
• Small team with autonomy
• Additional perks available