Principal Automation Engineer

Elevate your career at Marotta Controls, a New Jersey Top Workplace four years running! Dedicated to innovation, quality, and excellence, we deliver cutting-edge control systems for the Aerospace & Defense industry. At Marotta, we value bold thinking and teamwork, and we empower our employees to push boundaries while delivering top-tier solutions to our customers. Our team fosters a fun, collaborative culture where creativity and technical excellence thrive!

About the Role

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Principal 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.

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 manufacturing documentation (e.g., Operation Sheets, Routers, Set-up/Tooling sheets) 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, root cause investigations, troubleshooting, performance metrics, and machine shop operational activities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Production) to support new product introductions and process improvements.
• Perform all practices and activities related to Manufacturing Engineering in a manner that supports commonality, standardization (where applicable), First Past Yield, and utilization of safe/best industry practices.
• Generate accurate estimates (e.g., set-up, cycle time, material) using cost-effective manufacturing methods.
• Effectively communicate issues in a timely manner to all affected parties internal/external to the Marotta Organization.
• Define, develop, and maintain performance metrics to achieve targeted manufacturing objectives and implement appropriate actions to resolve identified issues.
• Lead training of assigned areas to maintain a well-trained workforce.
• Facilitate training, as needed, to maintain a cross-trained workforce and to support operational goals and objectives.
• Abide 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.

Requirements

• 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 U.S. Citizen.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee 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 interacts both in a professional office environment and a manufacturing/machine shop environment. Standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines are used, as well as environments requiring appropriate eye, hearing, and foot protection. The temperature of the work environment may be affected by outside/external temperatures and machining processes.

This is a full-time position. Weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Some travel may be required for this position (5-20%).

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Vision and color vision must pass job-required vision screening.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms, and to use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Regularly required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, or crouch, and move about the facility.
• May be required to lift and/or move items weighing up to 25 pounds.

Pay

$170,000 - $230,000 per year, plus a quarterly bonus.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance programs.
• Life and disability income insurance programs.
• 401k retirement plans with company match.
• Generous tuition aid program.
• Paid vacation, sick, and personal days.
• Paid holidays and flexible work hours with compressed work week options.
• Employee engagement events per quarter.