** Manufacturing Automation Engineer II

About the role

We’re looking for a Manufacturing Automation Engineer II who thrives at the intersection of automation, continuous improvement, and hands-on engineering. In this role, you’ll design, implement, and optimize automated and semi-automated manufacturing systems that improve throughput, reduce waste, and elevate product quality.

Responsibilities

• Design, specify, procure, commission, and implement automated and semi-automated manufacturing equipment
• Develop and optimize automation strategies involving PLCs, robotics, motion control, machine vision, and automated test systems
• Lead and facilitate engineering activities such as DFA, PFMEA, A3 problem solving, DOE, RCA, and data analysis
• Serve as the operations lead for New Product Introductions (NPI) and engineering changes (ECNs/ECRs), ensuring automation readiness
• Partner with Lean/CI teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce defects, cycle time, and labor cost
• Support production through automation troubleshooting, PLC logic updates, HMI adjustments, and system upgrades
• Create and maintain routings, work instructions, process flows, control plans, and BOMs in ERP systems
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles (5S, Kanban, SMED, line balancing) with an automation-first mindset
• Collaborate with suppliers and system integrators to evaluate and deploy new automation technologies
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and machine safety standards, implementing safety systems such as light curtains, e-stops, and LOTO
• Mentor and coach engineers, supporting technical growth and best practices
• Work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Logistics, Maintenance, IT/OT, and Technical Sales teams

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related), or equivalent hands-on automation experience
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience preferred with significant responsibility for automation
• Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLC-controlled production systems
• Proven experience designing and supporting automated equipment (robotics, motion control, sensors, actuators, safety devices)
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve automation-related production issues
• Experience supporting NPI and design changes, with DFMA/DFA focus
• Working knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, routings, BOMs, and ERP/MRP systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel for automation data analysis

Preferred / Nice to have

• Lean or Six Sigma certification
• Experience with automated electromechanical assembly or joining processes (welding, brazing, soldering)
• Familiarity with CE/UL compliance, safety PLCs, and machine risk assessments

Benefits

Opportunity to mentor others and grow your technical leadership

Pay

$100k - $110k