Automation Engineer

Overview

We are currently recruiting for an Automation Engineer – New Equipment Integration. This candidate will be responsible for the successful landing, commissioning, and stabilization of custom and off-the-shelf automated manufacturing equipment. This role owns projects from vendor design review and factory acceptance through on-site installation, first article validation, production ramp, and the first 90 days of operation.

This position serves as the technical authority during equipment start-up, providing hands-on troubleshooting, engineering solutions, and optimization to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and long-term reliability. The Automation Engineer works cross-functionally with vendors, controls engineers, maintenance, operations, and product engineering to deliver fully validated, production-ready automation.

This is an onsite position.

• Equipment Integration & Launch
  • Own the technical execution of new automated equipment from design review through stable production.
  • Travel to vendor facilities for:
    • Design reviews
    • Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)
    • Runoffs and sign-offs
  • Lead Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), commissioning, and startup at April Aire facilities.
  • Drive first-article testing, process validation, and production qualification.
  • Own the first 90 days of production, including:
    • Throughput stabilization
    • Scrap and defect reduction
    • Reliability improvements
    • Root cause and corrective action for launch issues
  • Serve as the primary engineering point of contact during ramp-up prior to handoff to Operations and Maintenance.
• Automation & Controls Leadership
  • Lead or support the design, development, and implementation of PLC- and touchscreen-based automation systems:
    • Development and documentation of process requirements
    • Selection of PLCs, HMIs, sensors, servos, motors, VFDs, safety systems, and enclosures
    • Creation of I/O lists and control architectures
    • Review and approval of vendor electrical and control designs
  • Perform:
    • First I/O checkout
    • Debugging and commissioning of automated systems
    • Final system validation and documentation
  • Modify PLC, HMI, and PC-based software to resolve issues discovered during startup and production ramp.
• Project Ownership & Capital Equipment Delivery
  • Lead capital equipment projects involving custom automation, integrated production systems, and controls upgrades.
  • Ensure:
    • Conformance to April Aire engineering, controls, and component standards
    • Compliance with OSHA, ANSI, NEC, and internal safety requirements
    • Adherence to approved budget, scope, and timeline
    • Operational suitability for production staff
    • Achievement of quality and performance targets
  • Coordinate and manage:
    • External integrators and equipment vendors
    • Internal Maintenance, Engineering Technicians, and Operations resources
  • Prepare and maintain documentation required for equipment turnover to Production and Plant Maintenance.
• Troubleshooting, Optimization & Continuous Improvement
  • Serve as the highest-level automation and controls troubleshooter during equipment launch.
  • Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and controls issues, including:
    • 480V/230V/240V/120V power systems
    • 24
      
      VDC control systems
  • Implement permanent engineering solutions to recurring or systemic problems.
  • Identify replacement components for obsolete or unavailable parts.
  • Maintain records of design changes, control modifications, and equipment improvements.
  • Recommend and implement performance enhancements to improve:
    • Throughput
    • Uptime
    • Quality
    • Safety
• Cross-Functional & Vendor Collaboration
  • Work collaboratively with Product Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Maintenance to ensure seamless equipment integration.
  • Act as technical liaison with vendors to obtain information, services, and materials required for successful implementation.
  • Provide training materials and technical guidance to Maintenance and Production teams.
  • Represent Manufacturing Engineering on product and equipment design teams as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, or controls engineering, or other closely related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of general manufacturing machine or process design experience required to assure full project accountability from concept through project completion.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the development of automated control systems.
• Knowledge of drafting standards.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Knowledge of selection, programming, implementing, and troubleshooting PLCs and user interface touch screens.
• Ability to identify measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
• Ability to determine how a system should work and how changes in conditions,…