Senior Automation Engineer
This is an exciting opportunity to join an innovative, growing engineering and automation organization specializing in the design and integration of advanced robotic and industrial automation systems. This is a high-impact technical leadership opportunity for an experienced Automation Engineer who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges and bringing innovative automation solutions from concept through commissioning.
The Senior Automation Engineer will play a key role in developing custom automation systems that improve manufacturing efficiency, safety, quality, and productivity across a variety of industrial applications. This position combines hands-on engineering, robotic programming, system integration, project leadership, and customer-focused problem-solving.
Working closely with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering teams, the successful candidate will lead complex automation projects, provide technical mentorship, and help deliver innovative solutions aligned with customer requirements and business objectives.
Responsibilities
- Lead automation projects from initial concept and quoting through system design, programming, integration, testing, and final commissioning.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and technicians, promoting collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Support the quoting and proposal process by developing creative automation concepts, preparing cost and labor estimates, reviewing customer specifications, and assessing project feasibility.
- Design and develop custom robotic automation systems for a range of industrial and manufacturing applications.
- Program, configure, and integrate industrial robots, including FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, and/or KUKA platforms.
- Develop and integrate PLC, HMI, motion control, machine vision, and industrial communication systems.
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and controls engineering teams to ensure seamless system design and integration.
- Troubleshoot complex automation, robotic, electrical, and controls issues throughout development, testing, and deployment.
- Conduct system risk assessments and ensure automation solutions comply with applicable industrial safety standards and regulations.
- Participate in design reviews, system testing, customer acceptance activities, and on-site commissioning.
- Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including system specifications, electrical and controls documentation, internal handoff materials, user manuals, and training resources.
- Support the development of standardized engineering practices, reusable programming solutions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Communicate effectively with customers, project teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
- Manage multiple projects and shifting priorities while maintaining high standards of quality, performance, and customer satisfaction.
Requirements and Desired Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 10 or more years of progressive experience in robotic automation, industrial automation, systems integration, or a similar technical discipline.
- Strong hands-on experience programming and integrating industrial robots, preferably FANUC, ABB, Yaskawa, and/or KUKA.
- Advanced knowledge of PLC programming, including Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens platforms.
- Experience with HMIs, motion control, machine vision, and industrial communication protocols.
- Proven experience designing and implementing custom automation systems in manufacturing or industrial environments.
- Strong understanding of automation project lifecycles, from concept development and quoting through design, build, integration, and commissioning.
- Ability to interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and technical specifications.
- Working knowledge of industrial safety standards and regulations, including ANSI B11 series and ANSI/A3 R15.06.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated project leadership capabilities, with the ability to mentor engineers and technicians.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing customer and project requirements.
- Robotics or automation certifications preferred but not required.
- Travel of up to 20% may be required for customer visits, system installations, commissioning, and project support.
Compensation (DOE): $120k - $150k annual base salary