Automation Manufacturing Engineer

Assignment Of Functions And Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and optimization of Automated welding and grinding, robotic sanding, and automated finishing systems.
• Identify automation opportunities within welding, finishing, assembly, and material handling operations.
• Develop automation roadmaps and business cases that improve throughput, quality, ergonomics, and labor utilization.
• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize robotic systems and peripheral equipment to maximize performance and uptime.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors and integrators on automation projects from concept through production launch.
• Evaluate and implement vision systems, sensors, tooling, fixturing, positioners, conveyors, and machine-tending solutions.
• Support offline programming and process validation for robotic welding and finishing applications.
• Lead automation-related capital equipment projects, including equipment selection, justification, installation, and commissioning.

Welding & Finishing Process Optimization

• Improve robotic and manual welding processes through fixture design, process control, and standardization.
• Analyze finishing operations and implement technologies that reduce cycle times and improve surface quality.
• Support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) initiatives to improve automation compatibility of products and assemblies.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, labor efficiency, quality improvement, and throughput gains.
• Utilize root cause analysis and data-driven problem solving to address recurring production challenges.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators including: OEE, Throughput, Cycle Time, Downtime, Scrap and Rework, Labor Efficiency, Facilitate Kaizen events and process improvement projects throughout the facility.
• Develop standardized work instructions and best practices for automated processes.

Cross-Functional Support

• Work directly with welders, fabricators, operators, maintenance technicians, and supervisors to identify and implement improvements.
• Train production personnel on current cobot, and future robotic systems, automated equipment, and process changes.
• Collaborate with Operations teams to improve equipment reliability and preventive maintenance programs.
• Ensure all automation systems comply with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.