Principal Automation Engineer

Position Profile

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Automation Engineer to join our team in the Aerospace manufacturing industry. This role is responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of automated systems and controls that drive production efficiency, consistency, and quality across our manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, robotics, and knowledge of electric motor production processes.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in an automation engineering role within a manufacturing environment (preferably electromechanical systems).
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.), HMI development, and industrial control systems.
• Experience with robotic integration (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, UR).
• Experience in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong understanding of industrial networks (Ethernet/IP, Modbus, ProfiNet).
• Knowledge of data acquisition, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and SCADA platforms.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Must be a US Citizen.

Essential or Primary / Key Responsibilities

• Participate in the selection, specification, and commissioning of automation equipment.
• Design new automated systems and processes for the introduction of new products or the improvement of existing products.
• Investigate, assess and resolve production issues effectively.
• Implement improvements to current operations to improve efficiency.
• Effectively communicate with suppliers to procure necessary equipment.
• Assemble and test automation hardware.
• Analyze layout of equipment, workflow, assembly methods, and workforce utilization to maximize efficiency.
• Create, maintain and refine detailed mfg. documentation (i.e. Operation Sheets, Routers, Set-up/Tooling sheets, etc.) through effective selection of manufacturing methods (inclusive of inspection point selection).
• Develop and maintain technical documentation including electrical schematics, logic diagrams, and system manuals.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles to tool/fixture design, material selection, facility layout plans, cost estimates, DFM concepts, GD&T practices, machine shop documentation (operations/tooling sheets, routers, etc.), root cause investigations, trouble shooting, performance metrics and machine shop operational activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Production) to support new product introductions and process improvements.
• Generate accurate estimates (i.e. set-up, cycle time, material, etc.) using cost effective mfg. methods.
• Effectively communicate issues in a timely manner to all affected parties internal/external to the Marotta Organization.

Additional Duties / Responsibilities

• Desire to do 'what it takes' to accomplish our goals and WINS.
• Speak up! Actively participate in team meetings to provide constructive recommendations and initiate actions to support company initiatives/goals.
• Proactively facilitate training, as needed, to maintain a cross-trained workforce and to support operational goals and objectives.
• Define, develop, and maintain performance metrics, to achieve targeted manufacturing objectives. Implement appropriate actions to resolve identified issues.
• Lead training of assigned areas to maintain a well-trained workforce.
• Abside by all safety, quality, housekeeping and company policies.
• Consistently demonstrate commitment to company values.
• Ensure that work area(s) are clean, secure, and well maintained.
• Complete special projects and miscellaneous assignments as required.
• Contribute to a positive, cooperative and safe work environment.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the Automation Engineer is frequently exposed to conditions typical of a manufacturing/machine shop environment, including, but not limited to: fluids, fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, noise and vibration. This role uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines, as well as environments inclusive of the appropriate eye, hearing and foot protection (as required).

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the Automation Engineer is regularly required to talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• The Automation Engineer is frequently required to reach with hands and arms, and to use hands to finger, handle or feel.
• The Automation Engineer is regularly required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, or crouch, and move about the facility.
• The Automation Engineer may be required to lift and/or move items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Pay Range

$170,000 - $230,000/year

Work Location

This position is at our Parsippany, NJ location.

Company Information

• We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity employer M/F/IWD/Veterans.
• VETERANS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
• No agencies, please.