Senior Automation Engineer – Equipment Integration & MES Implementation

Senior Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Carmel, IN (Hybrid)

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Advanced Manufacturing Engineer to lead and support manufacturing excellence initiatives across our global operations. This role is pivotal in driving digital transformation, automation, and Industry 4.0 implementations within manufacturing processes, ensuring optimal utilization of assets, quality, and efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in manufacturing engineering, automation, electronics testing, and process digitization, with proven experience in leading complex projects, integrating new technologies, and influencing organizational transformation.

Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) such as Ignition, Aveva, Rockwell, and/or data historians is highly advantageous.

The candidate must reside in, or be willing to relocate to, the Indianapolis metropolitan area. This position requires in‑office presence three days per week when not traveling. The role directly supports factory operations and includes travel to support project implementations and ongoing operational needs. Overnight travel is typically limited to one or two trips per month, most allowing the employee to return home on weekends.

• Manufacturing Process Development & Optimization:
  Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced fabrication, assembly, and automation processes, including robotics, cobots, and electronic test platforms. Support process standardization and continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, and TPM methodologies.
• Digital Transformation & Industry 4.0:
  Drive manufacturing digitization projects, including the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies such as data analytics, automation, smart manufacturing systems, and MES platforms (e.g., Ignition, Aveva, Rockwell) to improve visibility, efficiency, and decision‑making.
• Automation & Robotics:
  Lead and support the deployment of robotic automation, electronic hardware validation, and communication protocols (I2C, SPI, RS‑232, USB, CAN). Troubleshoot and optimize robotic and electronic systems to enhance production reliability.
• Equipment & Asset Reliability:
  Familiarity and ability to support Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) initiatives to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and extend machinery lifespan.
• Project Leadership &
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with cross‑functional teams (design, quality, operations, procurement) to evaluate, implement, and optimize manufacturing technologies. Lead facility start‑ups, process transitions, and capital investment projects, including greenfield and brownfield initiatives.
• Data & Performance Analysis:
  Analyze manufacturing data, including from MES and data historians, to identify trends, drive continuous improvement, and support decision‑making. Develop documentation, test strategies, and process specifications.
• Technical Support & Training:
  Provide technical expertise, troubleshooting, and training to production and maintenance teams on automation, electronics, MES, and process improvements.

• Bachelor’s or associate degree in a technical field such as Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science or a related field.
• In lieu of a degree, 10+ years of demonstrated experience.
• 5+ years in advanced manufacturing, automation, electronics testing, and/or related fields.
• Proven experience with Industry 4.0 technologies, smart manufacturing, digital transformation projects, and MES platforms (Ignition, Aveva, Rockwell, etc).
• Equipment Integration:
  Design and implement automation solutions for new and existing manufacturing equipment.
• Develop and maintain PLC, HMI, SCADA, Data Historian systems for machine control and data acquisition.
• Ensure interoperability between equipment and MES through standardized communication protocols (e.g., OPC UA, MQTT).
• Collaborate with equipment suppliers and internal teams to validate integration requirements.

• Support deployment and configuration of MES modules (production tracking,…