Automation Engineer

Automation Engineer

The Automation Engineer will support, maintain, and troubleshoot plant automation systems in a highly technical manufacturing environment. This role focuses on ensuring reliable operation of programmable logic controllers, human machine interfaces, motion and drive systems, industrial communication networks, and a wide range of electronic control components. The engineer will contribute to process improvements, automation enhancements, manufacturing efficiency, and large-scale production operations.

Responsibilities

• Support, troubleshoot, and maintain plant automation systems, including PLCs, HMIs, servo systems, servo drives, and variable frequency drives.
• Diagnose and resolve issues with digital and analog I/O systems and process control signals such as 4–20 mA, 0–10 V, and discrete I/O.
• Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot industrial communication networks, including Ethernet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, and related protocols.
• Support and maintain motion control systems and encoders to ensure accurate and reliable machine motion.
• Troubleshoot and repair electronic components such as relays, relay logic, AC/DC power supplies, contractors, and motor starters.
• Maintain and repair various industrial sensors, including photoelectric, proximity, pressure, temperature, flow, and level sensors.
• Work with timers, counters, signal conditioners, terminal blocks, fuses, breakers, and protection devices to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Support and troubleshoot control transformers and interface modules within control panels and automation systems.
• Collaborate with other engineers and plant personnel to improve automation reliability, process performance, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Apply PLC troubleshooting and programming skills to resolve equipment issues, minimize downtime, and optimize production processes.
• Document troubleshooting steps, system changes, and improvements to support knowledge sharing and future maintenance activities.
• Work proactively in an environment with older equipment, identifying root causes of recurring issues and recommending long-term solutions.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience in PLC troubleshooting in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Hands-on experience with PLC troubleshooting and basic PLC programming.
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to troubleshoot and support HMIs, servo systems, servo drives, and AC/DC variable frequency drives.
• Knowledge of digital and analog I/O systems and process control signals, including 4–20 mA, 0–10 V, and discrete I/O.
• Experience with industrial communication networks such as Ethernet/IP, Profinet, and Modbus.
• Ability to troubleshoot motion control systems and encoders.
• Strong understanding of electronic components, including relays, relay logic, AC/DC power supplies, contractors, and motor starters.
• Experience working with industrial sensors such as photoelectric, proximity, pressure, temperature, flow, and level sensors.
• Familiarity with timers, counters, signal conditioners, terminal blocks, fuses, breakers, and protection devices.
• Ability to read, interpret, and work with control transformers and interface modules.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently on complex automation issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the flavors or fragrance industry is a plus.
• Exposure to process improvement and automation optimization projects.
• Interest in supporting product development and large-scale production operations in a technical environment.
• Comfort working with older automation equipment and legacy systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Dayton, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

Health & Wellness Medical insurance (PPO and HDHP options) Dental & vision insurance Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Life insurance & AD&D Short‑ and long‑term disability Extra mental health benefits and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial & Retirement 401(k) retirement plan (with employer match, varies by plan/era) Performance bonuses (role‑dependent) Tuition reimbursement…