Automation Engineer II
About the role
This mid-level role is responsible for leading and executing automation initiatives across manufacturing plants, including systems that integrate AI‑enabled capabilities directly into solutions. The Automation Engineer II designs programs and troubleshoots complex automation systems spanning multiple equipment OEMs and technology generations. The role emphasizes technical independence, project leadership, and the ability to mentor junior engineers, with the expectation of driving significant improvements in automation and efficiency. Drive automation solutions from concept through commissioning, requiring minimal day‑to‑day supervision. This role leverages operational data and AI‑assisted analytics to improve system reliability, performance, and decision‑making across automation platforms.
Essential Functions
- Automation Design and Implementation
- Own the programming, testing, and maintenance of PLC, HMI, and control systems
- Independently plan and execute automation projects, escalating only when scope, safety, or cost thresholds are exceeded
- Incorporate data‑driven and AI‑assisted insights when selecting architectures, defining controls strategies, or evaluating automation design trade‑offs
- Design, implement, and support automation solutions that may incorporate AI‑enabled components such as machine vision, adaptive control, intelligent inspection, optimization logic, or vendor‑embedded AI systems
- Exercise sound engineering judgment to identify risk, scope, or architectural decisions that require escalation
- Oversee the commissioning and validation of new equipment and upgrades
- Apply established control standards, programming practices, and validation approaches consistently
- Provide feedback and improvement proposals to leadership on standards, tooling, and repeatable patterns
- Contribute reusable code, documentation, and templates to shared automation libraries
- Engineering Judgment and Decision Making
- Make independent technical decisions within defined project and system boundaries
- Proactively identify risks, edge cases, and failure modes before commissioning
- Clearly document assumptions, trade-offs, and rationale when proposing solutions
- Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- Serve as the primary technical authority for complex automation failures, performing root cause analysis and defining corrective actions
- Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to resolve complex technical issues
- Document and standardize changes and updates to control systems
- Data Analysis and Process Improvement
- Independently identify, prioritize, and implement automation improvement opportunities using operational data
- Design methods to capture and store data points for post execution validations and tracking
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, and efficiency
- Collaboration and Compliance
- While collaborating cross‑functionally, maintains ownership of automation decisions within assigned systems and projects
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- 2 Years – Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field
- Proven experience with PLCs, control systems, and industrial automation
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Provide day-to-day technical guidance to junior engineers
- Experience may include a combination of work experience and education
- 50% travel required on average
Preferred Qualifications:
- 4 years of experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing
- Proficiency with Rockwell, Siemens, or similar PLC platforms
- Familiarity with governing, validating, and supporting automation systems that include AI‑based decision logic or learning components
- Experience with SCADA systems, HMIs, and industrial networks
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma methodologies
- Professional Engineering (PE) license or relevant certifications
- Experience may include a combination of work experience and education
Minimum Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
Preferred Education: Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, or related field.
Pay
$87,360.12 - $126,672.19 / Yearly (Salary)
Benefits
Our Total Rewards package is thoughtfully designed to support both you and your family: Regular full-time team members are offered a comprehensive benefits package, while part-time, intern, and seasonal team members are offered a limited benefits package.
- Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time
- Paid parental and caregiver leaves
- Medical, including virtual care options
- Dental
- Vision
- 401(k) with company match
- Health Savings Account with company match
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members
- Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements
- Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness and an accident plan
- Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc.
- Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan and scholarship opportunities
- And more! https://careers.niagarawater.com/us/en/benefits