Principal Automation Engineer

Responsibilities

• Execute the integration, commissioning, and stabilization of advanced automated manufacturing equipment, including robotic and vision-based systems.
• Serve as a lead system-level integrator, ensuring mechanical, controls, and process elements function together to achieve safe, reliable, and production-ready performance.
• Contribute to the development and conceptualization of automation solutions by working across mechanical and controls disciplines to ensure designs are practical, integrated, and executable in a production environment.
• Lead projects from early design review through implementation and ramp-up, ensuring systems transition effectively from concept to stable production.
• Support critical capital equipment projects by focusing on system design, system startup, debugging, and performance stabilization.
• Take on increasing responsibility in robotics, vision systems, and system-level integration strategy development.
• Support documentation updates and system turnover to Production and Maintenance.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors during execution phases.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and controls issues.
• Drive improvements in throughput, uptime, and quality during ramp.

Requirements

• Strong understanding of automated manufacturing systems and machine integration.
• Experience with PLC programming platforms (Rockwell, Mitsubishi preferred).
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems, fixturing, and equipment functionality.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capability.
• Ability to diagnose issues across controls, mechanical, and process interactions.
• Experience with robotics and vision systems with interest in developing expertise.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, or controls engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of experience in industrial automation, equipment integration, or controls engineering.
• Hands-on experience with equipment commissioning and production startup.