Job brief
We are looking for a skilled Automation Engineer to join our manufacturing engineering team and lead the digital transformation of our production facility. You will design, program, and commission advanced control systems that directly impact our efficiency and output quality across multiple high-speed assembly lines. This is a high-impact role for an engineer who thrives on solving complex hardware-software integration problems in a fast-paced environment. If you are passionate about Industry 4.0 and enjoy taking full ownership of your engineering projects, we would love to hear from you.
Key highlights
- Program and troubleshoot complex PLC/PAC architectures using Rockwell Automation, Siemens TIA Portal, or similar industrial control platforms.
- Design and configure HMI and SCADA software to provide real-time monitoring and data visualization for plant operators and supervisors.
- Integrate industrial robots and collaborative cobots into assembly cells to automate repetitive material handling and precision tasks.
- Manage the commissioning and startup of new automated machinery, verifying sensor feedback, motor drive parameters, and emergency stop circuits.
What is a Automation Engineer?
An Automation Engineer is a specialized professional responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of control systems that govern industrial machinery and manufacturing processes. By leveraging technologies like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), and industrial robotics, an Automation Engineer ensures that production environments operate with peak precision and reliability. Their work is essential in bridging the gap between hardware mechanical systems and digital control logic to drive high-volume throughput and operational safety.
What does a Automation Engineer do?
On a typical day, an Automation Engineer writes and debugs control logic in ladder logic or structured text, integrates sensors and actuators into existing production lines, and troubleshoots electrical or programming faults to minimize downtime. They collaborate with mechanical and process engineers to install industrial sensors and vision systems while ensuring all control architectures comply with safety protocols like OSHA or ISO standards. They also perform comprehensive system testing, validate data acquisition from plant-floor hardware, and refine PID control loops to maintain tight process tolerances throughout the facility.
Key responsibilities
- Program and troubleshoot complex PLC/PAC architectures using Rockwell Automation, Siemens TIA Portal, or similar industrial control platforms.
- Design and configure HMI and SCADA software to provide real-time monitoring and data visualization for plant operators and supervisors.
- Develop detailed electrical schematics and control panel designs using AutoCAD Electrical, ensuring adherence to NEC and NFPA standards.
- Integrate industrial robots and collaborative cobots into assembly cells to automate repetitive material handling and precision tasks.
- Conduct thorough root-cause analysis on production line bottlenecks to implement corrective control modifications and performance enhancements.
- Manage the commissioning and startup of new automated machinery, verifying sensor feedback, motor drive parameters, and emergency stop circuits.
- Maintain technical documentation, including logic backups, network diagrams, and SOPs for all automated systems within the facility.
- Collaborate with maintenance teams to perform preventative diagnostics on servo drives, VFDs, and industrial networking hardware like Profinet or EtherNet/IP.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline with a focus on control theory.
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in industrial automation design, PLC programming, and system integration within a manufacturing setting.
- Advanced proficiency in major industrial software suites including Rockwell Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, or Schneider Electric Unity Pro.
- Expertise in configuring industrial communication protocols such as EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, Profinet, and OPC-UA for system connectivity.
- Strong technical grasp of industrial safety standards, specifically RIA 15.06 and ISO 13849 for machine guarding and safety interlocking.
- Demonstrated experience troubleshooting motion control systems, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and servo motor synchronization.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or certification in ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP) preferred but not required.
- Ability to communicate complex logic and system architectural changes clearly to non-technical facility management and stakeholders.
FAQs
What does an Automation Engineer do?
An Automation Engineer focuses on creating automated systems that streamline manufacturing and production processes. They bridge the gap between mechanical equipment and digital controls, using PLC programming, robotics, and SCADA software to reduce manual labor and human error. Their primary goal is to ensure production lines run efficiently, safely, and consistently by optimizing automated sequences.
What skills are needed for an Automation Engineer?
Key skills include deep proficiency in PLC programming (ladder logic, structured text), expertise in industrial communication protocols (Profinet, EtherNet/IP), and hands-on experience with HMI/SCADA development. Additionally, an Automation Engineer must be skilled in electrical drafting, motion control tuning, and machine safety compliance. Analytical problem-solving and the ability to interpret technical blueprints are also essential for success.
Who does an Automation Engineer work with daily?
An Automation Engineer operates as a central point of contact between departments, frequently collaborating with mechanical engineers, process technicians, and maintenance staff. They work closely with production managers to define process goals and coordinate with external vendors or system integrators during machinery installation. Their role involves translating business efficiency targets into actionable control logic and hardware solutions.
Why is the Automation Engineer role critical in modern manufacturing?
As industries shift toward Industry 4.0, the Automation Engineer is vital for maintaining a competitive edge through increased operational performance and data-driven insights. They ensure systems remain compliant with modern safety standards while maximizing output through continuous process improvement. By reducing downtime and optimizing machine cycles, they directly contribute to the overall profitability and scalability of a manufacturing enterprise.