Automation Engineer

The Blueprint (Role Profile)

The Automation Engineer plays an important role in designing and implementing highly automated manufacturing equipment to improve productivity in the production, assembly, and packaging of hand and power tools on a global scale. This role provides specialized technical expertise in PLC programming, robotics integration, machine vision systems, motion controls, industrial networking, and automated manufacturing equipment.

Working within a small manufacturing operation, the Automation Engineer plays a key technical role supporting automated production systems and equipment reliability while assisting with implementation, optimization, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The position requires the practical application of engineering principles and advanced technical knowledge related to industrial automation and manufacturing systems.

This role supports Apex Tool Group's manufacturing operations in Nogales, Arizona and works closely with engineering leadership to maintain and improve automation capabilities within the facility.

• Support and maintain automated manufacturing equipment, controls systems, and production automation processes used within manufacturing and assembly operations.
• Program, troubleshoot, modify, and support PLCs, HMIs, robotics systems, servo systems, machine vision applications, sensors, and industrial automation equipment.
• Assist with implementation, integration, testing, validation, and startup of automated manufacturing equipment and controls-related process improvements.
• Develop and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, bills of material, controls documentation, and programming backups using AutoCAD Electrical or similar engineering software.
• Analyze automation and controls-related equipment issues and support root cause troubleshooting activities to improve equipment reliability and production uptime.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and engineering teams to support production requirements, equipment performance, and automation improvements.
• Support manufacturing process optimization efforts through automation enhancements and controls system modifications.
• Work with automation vendors, equipment suppliers, and integrators to support technical requirements and equipment functionality.
• Assist with troubleshooting industrial communication systems, motion controls, sensors, drives, and electrical controls components used within manufacturing operations.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to safety, quality, manufacturing efficiency, and equipment performance.
• Maintain compliance with engineering standards, electrical safety requirements, and established manufacturing procedures.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team and provide support for additional tasks outside of primary responsibilities as needed.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a closely related technical discipline, such as Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering
• 5+ years of experience as an Automation Engineer developing and supporting automated equipment.
• Experience with PLC, HMI, robotics, machine vision, and servo motion systems in industrial automation applications.
• Experience with industrial automation protocols, including Ether Net/IP, RS-485, and IO-Link.
• In-depth knowledge of electrical and controls engineering, including 110/220/440V single- and three-phase AC systems, as well as 12V and 24V DC power systems.
• Experience with PLC programming platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Omron, or similar industrial automation systems.
• Experience supporting robotics systems, HMIs, machine vision systems, motion controls, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Experience developing and interpreting electrical schematics and controls documentation.
• Strong ability to self-direct work, prioritize tasks, and drive projects to completion with limited supervision in a fast-paced environment.