Industrial Automation Engineer

Job Summary

The Industrial Automation Engineer plays a critical role in advancing manufacturing capabilities through the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automated production systems. This position leads automation initiatives across the full equipment lifecycle, from process analysis and capital planning through installation, commissioning, and ongoing optimization. Leveraging industrial engineering techniques and automation technologies, the incumbent drives improvements in safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and data visibility while ensuring seamless integration between manufacturing equipment and site-wide information systems. Working closely with cross-functional teams and external partners, this role supports operational excellence by delivering innovative, efficient, and sustainable automation solutions.

Essential Job Functions/Duties

• Apply industrial engineering principles, including process flow analysis, time studies, capacity planning, facility layout, process simulation, and cost analysis, to evaluate, size, justify, and optimize manufacturing processes and capital equipment investments.
• Build and analyze process simulation models, including discrete-event simulations, to support decisions related to equipment selection, facility layout, throughput, and capacity improvements.
• Lead automation projects through the full equipment lifecycle, including planning, capital justification, design review, installation, testing, commissioning, start-up, and project closure.
• Cook up equipment installation, run-off, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and commissioning activities with vendors, facilities, production personnel, and the automation team to successfully bring new equipment online.
• Support hands-on automation activities, including basic mechanical and electrical setup, PLC and HMI configuration, controls troubleshooting, and equipment start-up in collaboration with automation and controls personnel.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying performance gaps, integrating additional automation capabilities, and implementing solutions that improve equipment reliability, uptime, productivity, and overall system efficiency.
• Develop and implement automation solutions related to manufacturing process improvements, data collection, and systems integration between ERP, MES, Ignition, PLCs, and other site-wide technologies.
• Interface manufacturing equipment with plant data systems to support quality monitoring, production reporting, and operational visibility.
• Develop and maintain facility layouts, process documentation, engineering drawings, work instructions, and other technical documentation using AutoCAD or similar CAD software.
• Research supplier products, evaluate equipment alternatives, and develop recommendations to support capital investment decisions and ensure the selection of best-fit technologies.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to resolve process and equipment issues related to capability, capacity, and manufacturing performance.
• Prepare operator work instructions and provide training to ensure the effective implementation and sustained use of new equipment, processes, and technologies.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline is preferred
• Experience and skill in equipment installation, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment.
• Working knowledge of industrial engineering fundamentals: process flow analysis, time studies, capacity planning, facility layout, and cost analysis.
• Process simulation experience is preferred, including building and analyzing discrete-event simulation models in FlexSim; experience with comparable tools (e.g., Simio, Arena, AnyLogic) is acceptable, and academic or co-op project experience is acceptable for recent graduates.
• Demonstrated interest in automation, controls, and programming, and willingness to work hands-on in a manufacturing environment, including on the shop floor.
• Exposure to PLC or HMI programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley ladder logic) and programming or scripting in any language (e.g., Python, structured text, C) is preferred.
• Familiarity with electrical and electronics fundamentals, industrial sensors, or robotics, and proficiency with CAD software for layout development (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks), are preferred.
• Leverage Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training, data systems or SQL exposure, and prior manufacturing, casting, or machining experience are pluses.

About Us

Superior Metals Manufacturing (SMM) is a Consolidated Precision Products (CPP) company. SMM at CPP is a part of an industry-leading manufacturer of highly engineered components and sub-assemblies, supplying the commercial aerospace, military and industrial markets with small-to-large “function critical” products. CPP provides its customers with a “total solution” source, taking them from concept to finished product with one of the broadest and most diverse product offerings in the industry. More information about our company can be found at: http://www.cppcorp.com/.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Environment: Work in a state-of-the-art melt shop.
• Growth Opportunities: Be part of a company that values continuous improvement and offers career development opportunities.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, bonuses and more.