Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
3-5 years of experience in automation and control systems
Proficiency in programming PLCs and control software
Strong understanding of industrial automation standards and practices
Familiarity with robotics integration and technology
Responsibilities
Design and program industrial control systems
Commission and troubleshoot automation equipment
Collaborate with engineering teams on system enhancements
Implement control measures for scaling production rapidly
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives for manufacturing efficiency
Benefits
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology
Impact on national security and manufacturing revitalization
Collaborative and innovative work environment
Growth opportunities in a pioneering company
Access to advanced training and development programs
Full Job Description
Job Summary:
We are seeking a Senior / Lead Automation Engineer to architect, implement, and continuously refine full-scale automation solutions across our advanced manufacturing operations. You will own the automation roadmap-from concept and capital justification through deployment, ramp, and lifecycle optimization-driving safety, productivity, and quality at enterprise scale.
Key Responsibilities:
Automation Strategy & Roadmap
Define multi-year automation vision aligned with business objectives and CapEx plans.
Prioritize high-impact projects using ROI, risk, and throughput models.
Present strategic proposals to executive leadership and investors.
System Design & Integration
Lead end-to-end design of robotic cells (e.g., Fanuc, ABB, KUKA) and custom machines for welding, machining, material handling, inspection, and packaging.
Specify PLCs, HMIs, motion control, and safety systems; author URS and functional specs.
Oversee vendor selection, FAT/SAT, and site acceptance.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Drive OEE, cycle-time, and yield improvements through data analytics and iterative tuning.
Implement predictive maintenance, IIoT, and machine-learning initiatives.
Compliance & Leadership
Mentor a team of controls engineers, technicians, and external integrators.
Cultivate a culture of disciplined experimentation-"measured power, intelligently applied."
Lead by example, - go to the factory floor and show team members how to solve difficult problems by creating solid architecture and writing good code.
Minimum Qualifications
B.S. in Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Controls Engineering (M.S. preferred).
5+ years engineering experience in a project development or manufacturing role.
Expert in at least one major robot platform (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, Yaskawa) and one PLC family (Allen-Bradley, Siemens).
Strong grasp of OT networking (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, OPC UA) and MES/SCADA integration.
Proven leadership of cross-functional teams and external integrators.
Excellent communication skills-able to translate technical detail into business impact for executives and investors.
Preferred / Bonus Skills
10+ years progressive experience in automation, robotics, or advanced manufacturing; 5+ years in a lead or staff-level role.
Experience in defense or aerospace manufacturing environments (AS9100, ITAR).
Familiarity with metal forging manufacturing, machine vision, or AI-driven process control.
PMP or equivalent project-management certification.
