Controls and Automation Engineer

About the role

This position provides technical assistance to all manufacturing departments regarding the assessment, design, and application of automation recommendations, processes, and solutions to manufacturing operations. Reporting to the Manager, Manufacturing Engineering and Maintenance, the Automation Engineer will play a critical role in driving operational efficiency, ensuring safety, and upholding high-quality work standards in a high-volume manufacturing plant.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation solutions to optimize manufacturing processes and improve efficiency.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues in a fast-paced production environment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (maintenance, production, quality, and safety) to drive continuous improvement.
• Program, configure, and maintain industrial automation equipment such as PLCs, robotics, HMIs, and SCADA systems.
• Analyze process data and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry best practices.
• Develop and document technical procedures, troubleshooting guides, and automation standards.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies to enhance automation capabilities.
• Train and support maintenance and production teams on automated equipment and controls.

Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving skills with a high level of curiosity and a self-starter mentality.
• Proven experience in troubleshooting and optimizing automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, or equivalent).
• Knowledge of industrial robotics, motion control, and vision systems.
• Familiarity with SCADA, HMI development, and industrial networking protocols.
• Strong understanding of safety standards, including machine guarding and risk assessments.
• Project management experience.
• Ability to analyze process data and drive data-driven decision-making.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience in automation engineering, preferably in high-volume manufacturing.
• Certifications in automation, controls, or safety (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, OSHA) are a plus.