Location: Chittenango, NY
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $75,000 - $95,000, but will be evaluated depending on candidates' knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Job Summary:

The Industrial Automation Engineer plays a critical role in advancing manufacturing capabilities through the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of automated production systems. This position leads automation initiatives across the full equipment lifecycle, from process analysis and capital planning through installation, commissioning, and ongoing optimization. Leveraging industrial engineering techniques and automation technologies, the incumbent drives improvements in safety, quality, throughput, reliability, and data visibility while ensuring seamless integration between manufacturing equipment and site-wide information systems. Working closely with cross-functional teams and external partners, this role supports operational excellence by delivering innovative, efficient, and sustainable automation solutions.

Essential Job Functions/Duties:

• Apply industrial engineering principles, including process flow analysis, time studies, capacity planning, facility layout, process simulation, and cost analysis, to evaluate, size, justify, and optimize manufacturing processes and capital equipment investments.
• Build and analyze process simulation models, including discrete-event simulations, to support decisions related to equipment selection, facility layout, throughput, and capacity improvements.
• Lead automation projects through the full equipment lifecycle, including planning, capital justification, design review, installation, testing, commissioning, start-up, and project closure.
• Coordinate equipment installation, run-off, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and commissioning activities with vendors, facilities, production personnel, and the automation team to successfully bring new equipment online.
• Support hands-on automation activities, including basic mechanical and electrical setup, PLC and HMI configuration, controls troubleshooting, and equipment start-up in collaboration with automation and controls personnel.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying performance gaps, integrating additional automation capabilities, and implementing solutions that improve equipment reliability, uptime, productivity, and overall system efficiency.
• Develop and implement automation solutions related to manufacturing process improvements, data collection, and systems integration between ERP, MES, Ignition, PLCs, and other site-wide technologies.
• Interface manufacturing equipment with plant data systems to support quality monitoring, production reporting, and operational visibility.
• Develop and maintain facility layouts, process documentation, engineering drawings, work instructions, and other technical documentation using AutoCAD or similar CAD software.
• Research supplier products, evaluate equipment alternatives, and develop recommendations to support capital investment decisions and ensure the selection of best-fit technologies.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to resolve process and equipment issues related to capability, capacity, and manufacturing performance.
• Prepare operator work instructions and provide training to ensure the effective implementation and sustained use of new equipment, processes, and technologies.
• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance; comply with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements; work flexible hours as needed to support business objectives; and contribute to overall team success.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline is preferred
• Two to three years of direct experience in a manufacturing, automation, or equipment commissioning environment is preferred; recent graduates with relevant internship or co-op experience will also be considered.
• Experience and skill in equipment installation, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment.

Other Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Working knowledge of industrial engineering fundamentals: process flow analysis, time studies, capacity planning, facility layout, and cost analysis.
• Process simulation experience is preferred, including building and analyzing discrete-event simulation models in FlexSim; experience with comparable tools (e.g., Simio, Arena, AnyLogic) is acceptable, and academic or co-op project experience is acceptable for recent graduates.
• Demonstrated interest in automation, controls, and programming, and willingness to work hands-on in a manufacturing environment, including on the shop floor.
• Exposure to PLC or HMI programming (e.g., Allen-Bradley ladder logic) and programming or scripting in any language (e.g., Python, structured text, C) is preferred.
• Familiarity with electrical and electronics fundamentals, industrial sensors, or robotics, and proficiency with CAD software for layout development (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks), are preferred.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training, data systems or SQL exposure, and prior manufacturing, casting, or machining experience are pluses.
• U.S. Person status (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) is required due to ITAR regulations.

Why Join Us?

Innovative Environment: Work in a state-of-the-art melt shop.
Growth Opportunities: Be part of a company that values continuous improvement and offers career development opportunities.
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vison insurance, retirement plans, bonuses and more.

About Us:
Superior Metals Manufacturing (SMM) is a Consolidated Precision Products (CPP) company. SMM at CPP is a part of an industry-leading manufacturer of highly engineered components and sub-assemblies, supplying the commercial aerospace, military and industrial markets with small-to-large "function critical" products. CPP provides its customers with a "total solution" source, taking them from concept to finished product with one of the broadest and most diverse product offerings in the industry. More information about our company can be found at: http://www.cppcorp.com/

Sponsorship is not available for this role. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US on a permanent and consistent basis without company sponsorship now and in the future.

This position requires use of information or access to hardware which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

This is a full time position
Pay Range: $75,000-$95,000