Automation Specialist

Manitowoc, WI - Manufacturing, 1400 S 41st St, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, United States of America

Posted Monday, December 22, 2025 at 7:00 AM

At KI, we believe knowing our customers helps us serve them better. We listen. We observe. We understand that each customer has unique needs. So, we pride ourselves on helping our customers make smart furniture decisions by offering expert advice, design options and personalized solutions. Since 1941, we’ve positioned KI as the furniture company that best understands the furniture industry and is committed to providing customers with the smart solutions.

By targeting specific markets with solutions for business furniture, university furniture, educational furniture, healthcare furniture and government furniture, we can quickly respond to our customers’ unique needs – including the choice to procure furniture according to what fits their ordering and fulfillment process. That’s why we say we offer far more than furniture. We’re Furnishing Knowledge.

The Automation Specialist supports the design, engineering, troubleshooting, and start-up a manufacturing environment. Working closely with the Automation Engineer and production teams, this role helps maintain process and safety control systems, improve automated equipment, and support plant-level SCADA/Ignition platforms to ensure efficiency, quality, and safety.

• Develop, edit, and troubleshoot PLC, robotic, HMI, and vision system programs.
• Diagnose and resolve automation issues on production equipment.
• Support process control and safety system installation and maintenance.
• Assist with equipment design and improvements for new and existing products.
• Partner with teams to sustain SCADA/Ignition platforms.
• Lead or support continuous improvement efforts aligned with plant KPIs.
• Maintain and promote a strong safety culture.

• Associate degree in Electro-Mechanical Automation Technology, Automation Engineering Technology, or equivalent experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Proficiency with standard PC software.

• Experience developing, troubleshooting, and refining PLC, HMI, robot, and vision system programs.
• Experience with electrical design using AutoCAD.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and patience.
• Positive attitude and effective leadership qualities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and AutoCAD.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong listening skills, creativity, and willingness to learn.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.

• 401(k) with company match
• Company-funded ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Onsite nurse and physical therapist
• Opportunities to advance within a supportive, team-driven culture