Automation Engineer

Fairbanks Morse Defense, 701 White Ave, Beloit, Wisconsin, United States of America

Posted Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 6:00 AM

Mission-Driven. Honor-Bound. Fairbanks Morse Defense. What’s your calling?For the men and women of Fairbanks Morse Defense it’s the rapid and effective support of the fleets that entrust us to design, develop, and deliver the best naval power technology on the planet. We’re one of the nation’s leading marine defense contractors because of the highly trained and dedicated teams that provide reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard.

When you join Fairbanks Morse Defense, you join a legacy of commitment that spans 150 years. Fairbanks Morse Defense offers competitive benefits with a wide range of training and development opportunities. Our world-class teams are dedicated to helping every individual achieve their full potential. Discover what it’s like to be a part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense team here:

Automation Engineer

Build the future of naval technology. Join a mission-first engineering team.

At Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), we deliver secure, mission-critical technology solutions that power U.S. Navy vessels and allied maritime forces. As part of the Fairbanks Morse Technolgoy business unit within FMD, you will develop advanced control systems for naval engines, shipboard automation, and testing platforms that uphold mission readiness.

We’re seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, develop, and support control systems across the FMT product family, including engine controls, davit systems, test stand controls, and other naval ship systems. This role includes ensuring cybersecurity compliance, industrial networking, MIL-SPEC qualification, and embracing emerging technologies such as AI and autonomy.

What You’ll Do:

• Design and develop automation and control solutions for FMT products
• Participate in the FMD phase-gate product development process for new builds, upgrades, and retrofits
• Support Sales and Proposals with technical content for quotes and presentations
• Define project scopes and development efforts for system upgrades and new designs
• Collaborate with customers to communicate requirements, provide updates, and offer field support
• Prepare detailed engineering documentation including electrical schematics, BOMs, submittals, and reports
• Design and implement industrial networks (Modbus TCP/RTU, CANBUS, Industrial Ethernet)
• Assist with testing, commissioning, and field acceptance at FMD facilities and customer sites—including shipboard
• Develop cable and wire interconnect schedules for integrated systems
• Be adaptable and willing to take on additional tasks that support team and organizational goals related to the primary function of this role
• Stay current with advances in automation, control systems, AI, and autonomy

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent practical experience)
• 3–5 years’ experience in electrical control systems programming, electrical design, and automation
• At least 1 year of experience with industrial networks such as Modbus, CANBUS, and Ethernet
• Strong PLC and HMI programming skills (Rockwell and Automation Direct preferred; Siemens a plus)
• Proficiency in reading and creating electrical schematics (AutoCAD preferred)
• Experience troubleshooting industrial controls and working with energized systems
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate cross-functionally
• Willingness to travel approximately 30% annually

This position requires access or potential access to Unclassified Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information, which is Not Releasable to Foreign Nationals (NOFORN) data. Therefore, to meet NOFORN requirement, you will have to provide proof of US Citizenship and attest that you do not have dual citizenship. Acceptable proof of US Citizenship is a US Passport, US Birth Certificate or Naturalization Certificate.

Preferred Experience:

• Maritime defense or ship system engineering experience
• F…