Automation Engineer

The Automation Engineer will be responsible for the design, programming, integration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated assembly and testing equipment, including PLC-controlled machinery, robotic work cells, and associated controls hardware. This role will work cross-functionally with manufacturing engineering, maintenance, quality, and production teams to bring automated systems from concept through commissioning (both in-house and vendor) and provide ongoing production support. We are looking for individuals who have knowledge or experience in assembly/testing and automation processes, a keen eye for safety and quality, the ability to solve problems and troubleshoot, and the desire to develop and expand their skills in a production-driven environment. The Automation Engineer will report to the PES Value Stream Manager. What You'll Do Controls Design and Programming • Design, develop, and debug PLC programs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar) for assembly automation equipment • Program and integrate industrial robots (FANUC, Universal Robots, etc.) for pick-and-place, path planning, material handling, loading/unloading, dispensing, welding, or assembly applications • Develop HMI screens and operator interfaces for machine control and diagnostics • Design and implement vision system integration (Keyence or similar) for part inspection, guidance, and quality verification • Configure and troubleshoot servo motion control systems, VFDs, and motor drives • Collaborate with mechanical and electrical design engineers during the concept and design phases to ensure controls feasibility Equipment Specification & Vendor Management • Develop detailed technical specifications (URS/equipment specs) for new automation equipment, including PLC, robotics, and vision system requirements • Research and evaluate automation equipment vendors, integrators, and component suppliers based on technical fit, cost, lead time, and reliability • Solicit and review vendor quotes and proposals; lead technical evaluation and vendor selection process • Manage vendor-built automation projects from kickoff through FAT/SAT and installation, including schedule tracking, budget oversight, and change order management • Review vendor-supplied design packages, electrical schematics, and controls documentation for compliance with internal standards and specifications • Act as primary technical point of contact and lead design reviews, progress meetings, and FAT/SAT activities with external vendors and integrators • Ensure vendor equipment meets safety, quality, and performance requirements prior to acceptance and handoff to production Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement • Provide technical support for installed equipment, including root cause analysis and corrective action for downtime events • Identify and implement improvements to improve machine uptime, cycle time, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) • Support preventive maintenance programs and develop troubleshooting documentation for maintenance and production staff • Analyze production data and machine performance to identify optimization opportunities • Integrate mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and controls subsystems into functioning automated work cells Documentation & Compliance • Create and maintain electrical schematics, I/O lists, controls architecture diagrams, and program documentation that complies with all applicable safety standards • Participate in risk assessments and safety validation for automated equipment • Maintain version control and backups of PLC, HMI, and robot programs What You'll Bring • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field • 3+ years of experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs in an industrial/manufacturing environment • Hands-on experience programming industrial robots and integrating them into automated systems • Working knowledge of electrical schematics, ladder logic, structured text, and function block programming • Understanding of pneumatics, sensors (photo eyes, proximity, encoders), servo/motion control, and machine safety circuits • Experience with HMI development platforms • Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose mechanical, electrical, and software issues under time pressure • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and P&IDs • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite The Ideal Candidate Will Also Bring • Experience with FANUC and Universal Robots programming/certification • Familiarity with machine vision systems (Keyence or similar) • Experience with industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet, Modbus TCP) • Experience with Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or similar 3D CAD software for reviewing mechanical designs • Prior experience in high-volume assembly and testing automation, packaging automation, or similar • Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or continuous improvement training #LI-GP1 This position is eligible to earn a discretionary bonus based on performance metrics and other criteria outlined in our applicable bonus plan.We consider several job-related, non-discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position's responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, a candidate's education/training, the position's location, and the key skills needed for the position. Pay is one of the Total Rewards that we provide to compensate and recognize employees for their work.