Automation Specialist

Overview

Loos & Co. holds a leading position in the global aerospace sector as the only fully integrated maker of premium quality wire, rope, and assemblies. The company operates within the Central Wire (CWI) Group of Companies, encompassing 12 locations in three countries and over 750 employees. Their precision‑manufactured components are used in mission‑critical flight control applications and across defense, medical technology, and heavy industry worldwide.

Job Title: Automation Specialist |
Classification: Exempt – Administrative |
Location: Pomfret Center, CT |
Shift: 8‑hour shift |
Work Location: In person, Company does not provide relocation assistance

The Automation Specialist supports the advancement and sustainment of Central Wire’s plant floor automation strategy by independently analyzing, optimizing, and improving automated manufacturing processes. This role applies technical judgment and discretion to evaluate production challenges, recommend automation solutions, and implement approved improvements that affect safety, quality, throughput, and equipment reliability. The position operates with meaningful autonomy within defined engineering standards and serves as a developmental professional role with progression to Automation Engineer as system ownership, project leadership, and strategic scope expand.

• Independently analyze automated manufacturing processes to identify systemic inefficiencies, reliability risks, and automation opportunities within assigned production areas.
• Exercise judgment in selecting and recommending controls strategies, sensors, interlocks, and automation enhancements aligned with operational goals and safety requirements.
• Develop and implement incremental automation improvements following review and approval by Automation Engineering leadership.

• Own defined automation subsystems or production cells, including PLC/HMI configuration standards, alarm strategies, and operating parameters.
• Perform non‑routine PLC and HMI modifications, including logic optimization, alarm rationalization, and interface improvements, within approved change control frameworks.
• Evaluate automation performance data to determine corrective actions and preventative strategies.

• Apply independent judgment in diagnosing complex automation issues and determining appropriate corrective paths within established authority limits.
• Decide when issues can be resolved locally versus when escalation to Automation Engineers is required based on risk, scope, and operational impact.
• Prioritize automation improvement efforts based on production impact, quality risk, and safety considerations.

• Ensure automation systems support in‑process quality controls, traceability, and documented process capability requirements.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, including control narratives, SOPs, configuration records, and validation evidence, in compliance with Central Wire’s quality systems.
• Participate in change control reviews to assess automation impacts on quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.

• Serve as an automation subject‑matter resource to Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and EHS within assigned areas.
• Support operator and technician training on automation functionality, limits, and first‑line diagnostics.
• Contribute technical input to capital planning and equipment upgrade discussions without final budget authority.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 2–5 years of progressive experience supporting or implementing industrial automation in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to apply independent technical judgment in controls, automation troubleshooting, and system optimization.
• Working knowledge of PLC/HMI systems, industrial controls architectures, sensors, and safety interlocks.

• Loca…