Job Summary

We're looking for an Process Automation Engineer to develop, implement, and sustain automation and advanced manufacturing technologies that support production growth, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across our aerospace manufacturing operations. This role is instrumental in increasing equipment reliability, improving throughput, enhancing quality, and advancing smart manufacturing capabilities through automation, digital integration, and data-driven process control.

Work That Matters

At Chromalloy, your work directly supports aviation safety and reliability. Our teams repair and manufacture critical aerospace components used across the global aviation industry. Whether you're improving processes, supporting operations, solving technical challenges, or driving business performance, your contributions help keep aircraft flying safely around the world.

Location: Oldsmar, FL

Schedule: On-site

What You'll Be Doing

Ramp & Capacity Enablement

• Develop and deploy automation solutions that improve throughput, uptime, and OEE on critical manufacturing processes, including coating, grinding, EDM, and inspection.
• Support new product introductions and manufacturing transfers by automating, qualifying, and stabilizing production processes.
• Improve equipment performance through enhanced controls, automated material handling, process monitoring, and recovery capabilities.

Automation Development & Integration

• Design, program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, machine controls, and automated production equipment.
• Integrate manufacturing equipment with data collection, MES, and digital manufacturing systems.
• Advance automated inspection and in-process monitoring capabilities to improve quality and reduce rework.

Qualification, Quality & Documentation

• Support equipment qualification, process validation, capability studies, and production release activities.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace quality, regulatory, safety, and customer requirements.
• Develop standard work, operating procedures, troubleshooting guides, and preventive maintenance documentation.

Continuous Improvement & Data Analytics

• Analyze automation and production data to improve reliability, throughput, process capability, and first-pass yield.
• Lead automation standardization and best-practice initiatives across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Identify, justify, and implement automation solutions that improve operational performance and reduce manufacturing costs.

Technical Leadership & Support

• Provide technical guidance and training to operators, technicians, maintenance teams, and engineers.
• Support rapid troubleshooting and recovery of automation and equipment issues.
• Promote safe work practices, 5S principles, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Automation, Mechatronics, Industrial, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 2+ years of automation engineering experience in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, precision machining, gas turbine, MRO, or other regulated manufacturing environments.
• Hands-on experience with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, machine controls, sensors, vision systems, data acquisition, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience leading cross-functional automation projects involving engineering, operations, quality, maintenance, and external suppliers.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience with turbine airfoil manufacturing processes, including coating, grinding, EDM, or automated inspection.
• Experience with equipment qualification, process validation, and production release activities.
• Familiarity with MES integration, digital manufacturing, Industry 4.0, or manufacturing data analytics.
• Experience improving OEE, throughput, automation reliability, and first-pass yield using Lean manufacturing principles.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, noise, fumes, dust, and varying temperatures.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and moving throughout production areas.
• Ability to perform hands-on troubleshooting and equipment inspections in an active manufacturing environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to work around automated equipment, robots, CNC machines, and industrial systems while following established safety procedures.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to all safety requirements.

This position may require work hours outside of the regularly scheduled hours to meet operational needs. This may include work during evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Additional work hours are assigned based on business requirements. Non-exempt employees will be paid overtime in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The salary range for this position reflects a broad spectrum of experience levels. Individual compensation within the range is determined by multiple factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, job related skills, internal equity, and market conditions. We evaluate each candidate individually to ensure fair and competitive pay decisions.

Due to government regulation only US persons (U.S. citizen, U.S. naturalized citizen, U.S. permanent resident, holder of U.S. approved political asylee or refugee status) may be considered for this role.