Automation Engineer

Location: Grand Rapids

Job Title:

Automation Engineer

Job Description

This Automation Engineer role focuses on supporting the overall efficiency, reliability, and uptime of automated assembly systems within a manufacturing environment. You will work closely with production, maintenance, and engineering teams to ensure safe and consistent operation of automation equipment, develop long-term preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven analysis.

Responsibilities

* Assess and maintain machine safety systems to ensure a safe working environment when operating automated equipment.

* Support consistent product quality by ensuring proper operation, calibration, and maintenance of automated systems.

* Collaborate with engineering teams to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve process and programming challenges.

* Program, troubleshoot, and repair automation equipment, including PLCs and related control systems, as needed.

* Assist maintenance teams with diagnosing and repairing additional equipment across the facility to minimize downtime.

* Perform and coordinate repairs and fabrication work for end-of-arm tooling and related components.

* Maintain accurate and detailed records of automation maintenance, repairs, modifications, and improvements.

* Manage and track spare parts inventory to reduce equipment downtime and improve responsiveness to issues.

* Develop, document, and maintain escalation processes to quickly address equipment issues and critical failures.

* Analyze production data and equipment history to identify trends, drive efficiency improvements, and optimize system performance.

* Communicate downtime events, maintenance concerns, and recurring issues promptly with shift leadership and program teams.

* Work closely with engineering leadership and production support staff on a daily basis to align priorities and support production goals.

* Follow all applicable safety standards, policies, and operating procedures while working with automation and production equipment.

* Take on additional responsibilities and special projects as assigned by leadership to support operational and business needs.

* Demonstrate consistent, dependable, and punctual attendance to ensure reliable support for production operations.

* Maintain and support various automated systems, including automated assembly equipment, robotic systems, labeling machinery, end-of-arm tooling, separators, testing equipment, and other assigned equipment.

Essential Skills

* Bachelor's degree in a technical field such as electrical engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

* 0-3 years of experience in an automation-related role within a manufacturing environment.

* Hands-on experience with automation systems, including troubleshooting and maintenance of production equipment.

* Experience with Allen-Bradley control systems and PLC programming.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

* Experience working in the medical device industry or other highly regulated industries.

* Exposure to clinical or pharmaceutical environments and processes.

* Familiarity with quality systems requirements, including FDA Quality System Regulation, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and ISO standards such as ISO 9002.

* Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification (IASSC or similar) preferred.

* Experience or exposure to medical or pharmaceutical clinical trials is a plus.

* Experience supporting packaging components and delivery systems for injectable drugs or healthcare products is beneficial.

* Ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, including standardization, waste reduction, and process optimization.

* Comfort working in a fast-paced production environment with changing priorities and multiple concurrent tasks.

Work Environment

This role is based in a manufacturing environment that focuses on packaging components and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products. You will work primarily with automated assembly equipment, robotic systems, labeling machinery, end-of-arm tooling, separators, and testing equipment, as well as other production and support systems. The position follows a…