Position SummaryThe Automation Project Engineer is responsible for implementing the selected automation projects. It starts with developing the technical specifications, working with external integrators, then installing the automation successfully at a factory. Our sites are not well-resourced with manufacturing engineers, so this role will be the primary engineer to implement the automation. This role will partner with another new role, Automation Project Manager, to get the projects done.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities- Facilitate feasibility studies including technical, operational, safety, quality, and financial evaluations.
- Evaluate alternative technologies, concepts, and implementation approaches.
- Define system requirements, functional specifications, and performance criteria.
- Lead the acquisition and installation of automation equipment from initial concept through production stabilization.
- Manage equipment suppliers, system integrators, contractors, and technical consultants.
- Perform robot programming, path optimization, and process configuration.
- Support PLC integration, I/O validation, HMI configuration, and controls troubleshooting.
- Provide hands-on support at the factory during equipment installation and startup.
- Serve as the escalation point for complex automation-related technical issues.
- Diagnose and resolve robotic, electrical, mechanical, vision, controls, and integration problems.
- Analyze system performance and identify improvement opportunities
- Lead factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
- Ensure successful startup, commissioning, validation, and throughput achievement.
Experience and EducationRequired- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or related technical discipline.
- Three (3) years of experience implementing industrial automation and robotics solutions.
- Demonstrated experience with robotic system programming and commissioning.
- Experience integrating automation systems into manufacturing environments.
- Experience troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, controls, and robotic systems.
- Experience leading technical execution of capital projects.
Preferred- Experience leading automation deployments in factories with limited prior automation exposure, and limited manufacturing engineering resources.
- Experience in forging, machining, metal fabrication, industrial manufacturing, or heavy manufacturing environments.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, TPM, and Continuous Improvement methodologies.
Technical Skills - Deep Experience with industrial robotic platforms such as FANUC, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa/Motoman, Universal Robots, or equivalent.
- Robot programming, troubleshooting, and optimization.
- End-of-arm tooling selection and integration
- PLC programming and troubleshooting (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, or equivalent).
- HMI development and configuration.
- Motion control and servo systems.
- Sensor integration and controls architecture.
- Strong understanding of industrial electrical systems.
- Mechanical design fundamentals and machine integration.
- Pneumatic and hydraulic systems knowledge.
- FAT/SAT execution.
- Machine safety standards and safeguarding practices.
- Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Root cause analysis and structured problem-solving techniques
Organizational Relationships - Reports to VP Operational Excellence.
Travel Required The automation projects will require on-the-ground project management at the sites where the implementations are taking place.
The role will require up to two (2) weeks per month of travel. There is no fixed schedule for the travel. Projects that are in the early phases will require less travel. Sites in the final phases of a project will require more. This role will determine where and when they will be at the factories. When not in an HBD factory, the role can work from home.
Home base would preferably be in southern California, North Carolina, or Georgia. These are areas where the automation projects will most likely start.
The estimated base salary range for this position is
$120,000 - $140,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, skills, education, certifications, geographic location, internal equity, and business needs.
Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position now or in the future. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
