Automation Projects Engineer

Company Overview

Hunter Douglas is the world’s leading manufacturer of window coverings and a major manufacturer of architectural products. With more than 100 years of innovation, the company delivers revolutionary style and functionality to millions of homes and commercial buildings worldwide. The organization seeks driven, intelligent, creative, and entrepreneurial candidates, offering challenging and accelerated growth opportunities and a competitive total compensation and benefits package.

Position Overview

The Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing automated systems and solutions to support new manufacturing or operational initiatives across North America plants. This role works closely with cross‑functional teams—including engineering, production, and IT—to identify automation opportunities, define technical requirements, and ensure seamless integration of equipment and controls into new processes or production lines.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and controls scope for new equipment, production lines, and manufacturing initiatives.
• Design, program, and deploy PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, VFDs, and industrial networks.
• Define project scope, technical specifications, budgets, timelines, and resource plans.
• Manage multiple automation projects while ensuring delivery against cost, schedule, and performance targets.
• Drive RFQs, vendor selection, and coordination of design reviews, FATs, SATs, installation, and startup.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Engineering, Operations, IT, Quality, and Maintenance for system integration.
• Support machine connectivity, data acquisition, and integration with MES and IT platforms.
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities to enhance cycle time, OEE, and cost efficiency.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Electronics, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience as a Controls/Automation Engineer in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong expertise in PLC programming (Allen Bradley, Beckhoff, Omron, Siemens).
• Experience with industrial networks such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, and IO‑Link.
• Hands‑on knowledge of robotics, vision systems, VFDs, and servo motion control.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deliver against defined timelines and budgets.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams and external vendors/integrators.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 35‑40 % across the US, Mexico, and vendor locations (valid passport and driver’s license required).

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual base salary range: $97,000 – $131,000
• Bonus target range: 20 % – 30 %
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Paid time off and paid parental leave
• Wellness programs and product discounts
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates
• Company culture focused on internal development and professional growth