Automation Engineer

Job Description

Automation Engineer role provides hands‑on, line‑side support for highly automated manufacturing equipment, ensuring production systems run safely, efficiently, and at peak performance. You will focus on automation troubleshooting, PLC diagnostics, collaborative robotics support, and electro‑mechanical maintenance, while playing a key role in equipment recovery, preventative maintenance, continuous improvement, and the scaling of automation capabilities across the operation.

Automation Engineer

• Provide line‑side support for production automation equipment, focusing on motors, belts, drives, conveyors, sensors, and electro‑mechanical systems rather than facility infrastructure.
• Perform rapid equipment fault recovery, conduct root cause analysis, and restore systems to stable operation to protect uptime and throughput.
• Read and analyze PLC ladder logic to diagnose issues and support safe, effective troubleshooting.
• Perform basic PLC program adjustments and modifications to optimize equipment performance and resolve recurring issues.
• Safely access, inspect, and troubleshoot industrial control panels in accordance with electrical safety standards and procedures.
• Teach, troubleshoot, and calibrate collaborative robots using teach pendants and remote programming tools.
• Apply safe robot operation practices, including proper use of dead‑man switches, jogging modes, and controlled environments.
• Replace motors, drives, belts, tubes, and other mechanical and electrical components as part of corrective and preventative maintenance.
• Fine‑tune conveyor parameters, verify system performance, and confirm that automated lines operate within defined specifications.
• Follow and enforce safety and compliance practices, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), machine guarding, and industrial electrical safety protocols.
• Collaborate closely with automation engineers, robotics teams, operations, supervisors, and leadership to resolve issues and support production goals.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and future automation expansion, not only maintenance, by sharing insights from line‑side experience.
• Use HMIs, SCADA systems, and industrial diagnostic software to monitor equipment, identify faults, and implement corrective actions.
• Support shift or on‑call coverage as needed to maintain production uptime in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

• 3+ years of experience supporting production automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands‑on experience with automation systems, including motors, drives, conveyors, sensors, and electro‑mechanical equipment.
• Proficiency in PLC programming concepts, including the ability to read and analyze PLC ladder logic.
• Ability to perform basic PLC program adjustments and modifications on platforms such as Siemens or Allen‑Bradley (Rockwell) or similar.
• Experience safely accessing and troubleshooting industrial control panels.
• Practical experience teaching, troubleshooting, and calibrating collaborative robots using teach pendants and remote tools.

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics, Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Technology, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience with Siemens, Allen‑Bradley (Rockwell), or comparable PLC platforms in production environments.
• Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies in high‑volume or advanced manufacturing settings such as electronics, automotive, robotics, or fulfillment.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and automation expansion projects.
• Interest in developing advanced automation and robotics skills that support long‑term career growth in modern manufacturing.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment where troubleshooting directly impacts uptime, throughput, and safety.

Permanent position based out of Whitsett, NC.

Pay range: $65,000 – $114,000/yr. 401k 6%, PTO, discretionary annual bonus.

Fully onsite in Whitsett, NC.

Anticipated to close on Jun 16, 2026.