Automation Engineer

Organizational Alignment

• Reports functionally and operationally to the Maintenance Manager
• Works closely with:
  • Maintenance Technicians and PLC Technician
  • Production and Engineering teams
  • External integrators, OEMs, and service providers
• Supports plant-level CAPEX, reliability, safety, and Lean transformation initiatives

• Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens preferred).
• Develop and maintain control logic, sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and safety functions.
• Ensure optimal performance and availability of:
• Automated production lines
• Robotic systems
• AGV / EGV and automated material handling systems

5. Lead advanced troubleshooting of automation-related failures to minimize downtime.

6. Maintain version control, backups, and change management for all automation programs.

• Support or lead robot design, integration, and modification, including end-of-arm tooling and safety interfaces.
• Maintain and optimize motion control, servo systems, drives, and vision systems.
• Identify opportunities to replace manual processes with automation to improve safety, quality, and productivity.

• Support the development and execution of Preventive Maintenance (PM) plans for automation, PLCs, robotics, and AGV/EGV systems.
• Define automation-specific PM tasks, frequencies, spare parts, and technical standards in CMMS.
• Actively support breakdown response and emergency troubleshooting.
• Participate in and technically lead RCFA for automation-related failures.
• Contribute to improvement of MTBF, MTTF, OEE, and reduction of unplanned downtime.

• Support or lead automation-related CAPEX projects, including:
  • Scope definition
  • Technical evaluation
  • Installation, commissioning, and validation
• Support FAT/SAT activities and contractor supervision.
• Identify and implement automation and Industry 4.0 opportunities aligned with Lean principles.
• Standardize automation hardware, software, and design approaches across the plant.

• Ensure all automation systems comply with:
  • OSHA regulations
  • Vesuvius Group standards
  • Electrical and machine safety requirements
• Support LTT, machine guarding, and safety PLC implementations.
• Participate in audits, SCARs, and corrective actions related to automation and controls.
• Design and maintain systems with safety by design principles.

• Create and maintain:
  • Electrical schematics
  • Control narratives
  • SOPs and technical documentation
• Ensure automation assets, BOMs, spare parts, and documentation are properly maintained in CMMS.
• Train and coach Maintenance Technicians, PLC Technician, and operators on automated systems.
• Support cross-training to reduce single-point technical dependency.
• Automation Reliability:
  Reduction of automation-related downtime and recurring failures.
• Maintenance Effectiveness:
  Quality PM execution and improved asset reliability metrics.
• Safety & Compliance:
  Zero serious safety incidents related to automation systems.
• Operational Performance:
  Improved productivity, data accuracy, and process stability.
• Capability Building:
  Increased automation and PLC competency within maintenance teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5+ years’ experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, and system integration.
• Experience in a manufacturing and/or unionized environment preferred.

• HMI / SCADA development and troubleshooting
• Robotics, AGV/EGV systems, vision systems
• Electrical schematics and control panel design
• CMMS usage for PMs, assets, and documentation
• CAD tools (Solid Works, AutoCAD Electrical – preferred)

• High ownership for equipment reliability and safety
• Structured problem-solving and analytical mindset
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Strong communication across maintenance, production, and engineering
• Willingness to challenge existing solutions constructively
• Discipline in standards, documentation, and execution

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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