Automation Engineer

A growing food and beverage manufacturing organization is seeking an Automation Engineer to support equipment optimization, controls integration, and continuous improvement initiatives across a high-volume production environment.

This position will work closely with engineering, maintenance, operations, and production leadership to improve machine performance, troubleshoot automation issues, and support new equipment and process enhancements across the facility.

• Support PLC programming, troubleshooting, and controls optimization across manufacturing and packaging equipment
• Assist with automation projects tied to new equipment installations, line upgrades, and production improvements
• Diagnose and resolve controls, electrical, and automation-related downtime issues in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Work with operations and maintenance teams to improve machine reliability, uptime, and throughput
• Modify and improve HMI interfaces, automation workflows, and control system functionality
• Support integration and communication between PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, and production equipment
• Assist with startup, commissioning, FAT/SAT activities, and equipment validation initiatives
• Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization
• Identify opportunities to improve automation efficiency, reduce downtime, and streamline production processes
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to equipment failures and operational inefficiencies
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering and production teams on lean manufacturing and process improvement initiatives
• Maintain documentation related to controls systems, electrical schematics, programming changes, and equipment standards
• Support preventative maintenance initiatives tied to automation and controls infrastructure

• 4+ years of experience within automation engineering, controls engineering, or industrial automation in a manufacturing environment
• Experience supporting food, beverage, packaging, consumer products, or high-speed production environments preferred
• Hands-on experience with PLC programming and troubleshooting, ideally with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi systems
• Experience working with HMIs, VFDs, servo systems, sensors, and industrial communication networks
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings
• Familiarity with motion control systems, packaging equipment, conveyors, fillers, or automated production lines preferred
• Exposure to lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and root cause analysis methodologies
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced operational environment
• Experience supporting high-speed packaging or food processing equipment
• Exposure to PackML, OMAC, or ISA standards
• AutoCAD or Solid Works exposure is a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Automation, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field preferred