Automation Engineer

Job Title:

Automation Engineer Job Description

We are seeking a hands-on Automation Engineer to lead end-to-end automation and manufacturing projects from initial concept through design, implementation, launch, and full-scale production. This role combines mechanical design, plastics manufacturing, process engineering, and automation project management to support both new product development and optimization of existing products and processes. The Automation Engineer will play a key role in shaping how products are designed, manufactured, and automated, with significant autonomy, direct project ownership, and the opportunity to make measurable impacts on quality, efficiency, throughput, and overall business performance.

• Lead automation and manufacturing projects from concept through design, implementation, validation, launch, and production, ensuring technical and business objectives are met.

• Create, refine, and maintain detailed Solid Works models and mechanical designs for plastic components, tooling, and automated equipment.

• Develop and iterate prototypes to validate design concepts and manufacturing approaches, incorporating design for manufacturing principles.

• Support plastics manufacturing operations, including injection molding, blow molding, and injection blow molding, by troubleshooting issues and optimizing processes.

• Evaluate existing and new manufacturing processes to identify opportunities for automation, labor reduction, quality improvement, and cost optimization.

• Define, plan, and manage automation projects, including equipment specification, integration, installation, and commissioning activities.

• Work closely with external automation vendors, machine builders, and system integrators to design and implement effective automation solutions.

• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) for new automation equipment, ensuring systems meet performance, safety, and quality requirements.

• Analyze labor, quality, cost, and production efficiency data to develop and justify automation and process improvement recommendations.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on increasing throughput, improving product quality, and reducing manufacturing costs.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, operations, suppliers, mold makers, and automation integrators to align design and process decisions.

• Own both product design and manufacturing process development, ensuring that products are optimized for manufacturability and automation.

• Develop and maintain clear technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, work instructions, and project reports.

• Communicate project status, risks, and technical issues effectively to stakeholders and leadership, and adjust plans as priorities shift.

• Manage multiple concurrent engineering and automation projects in a fast-paced environment, balancing design, floor support, and project management responsibilities.

• Provide hands-on support on the manufacturing floor, including equipment trials, process adjustments, and troubleshooting of automated systems.

• Contribute to the overall automation strategy by proposing new technologies, methods, and process improvements that support long-term business growth.

• Minimum of 5+ years of engineering experience in manufacturing environments, with a focus on process and automation improvement.

• Hands-on experience in plastics manufacturing, preferably in injection molding, blow molding, or injection blow molding operations.

• Advanced proficiency in Solid Works and strong mechanical design experience for components, tooling, and automated systems.

• Demonstrated ability to develop and refine products for manufacture, applying design for manufacturing principles.

• Proven success implementing manufacturing automation solutions, from concept through production launch.

• Experience managing automation vendors, machine builders, and system integrators, including equipment specification and implementation.

• Ability to evaluate labor, quality, cost, and production efficiency to identify and prioritize automation and process improvement opportunities.

• Track record of supporting projects through the full lifecycle, from concept development to production ramp-up and stabilization.

• Strong technical documentation skills, including creating detailed drawings, specifications, and process documentation.

• Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across engineering,…