Production Automation Engineer​/Specialist

A Snapshot of Your Day As a Production Automation Engineer/Specialist based at our Richland, MS facility, you will deliver automation projects that increase production capacity and quality through robotics and autonomous solutions. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing advanced robotic and automated control solutions for production technology. This role involves programming and integrating robotics into manufacturing processes, collaborating with systems architects, equipment vendors, and external partners, and driving the digital transformation of production through robotics and automation.

You will be accountable for delivering solutions across the full lifecycle: identifying and shaping automation opportunities, scouting and qualifying suppliers/integrators, preparing RFQs and evaluating proposals, coordinating installation and commissioning (including acceptance criteria and documentation), and ensuring sustainable operations after go-live through training, troubleshooting, spare parts/maintenance readiness, and continuous improvement. Time will be split between the floor and office, with hands‑on support during installation, commissioning, and ramp‑up.

• Design, develop, and implement robotic and automated control solutions for production technology.
• Identify and prioritize automation opportunities across production and intralogistics (robotic cells, cobots, AGVs and AMRs), linking solutions to measurable improvements in throughput, quality, ergonomics, and safety.
• Define scope and requirements packages for integrators/OEMs (process flow, station concept, EOAT/vision strategy, controls & interfaces, recovery logic, operator interaction), enabling comparable proposals and fast execution.
• Drive project execution with integrators and internal stakeholders (Production, EHS, Quality, IT/OT): manage milestones from concept → Proof of Concept (PoC) → commissioning, including site readiness, utilities, and coordination of installation activities.
• Own acceptance, commissioning, and handover: define acceptance criteria, execute/coordinate FAT/SAT, ensure documentation packages and software backups are delivered, and establish sustainment plans (maintenance, troubleshooting, spares, training), including documentation completeness and knowledge transfer.
• Ensure safe, connected, and supportable solutions: coordinate risk assessment and collaborative‑operation validation evidence; ensure required OT interfaces and disclosures (e.g., PLC signals, sensors, networking interfaces/ports, barcode/RFID, safety scanners/light curtains, data access) are defined and documented.

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation, Electrical, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, Robotics, or a related engineering field.
• 2 or more years of experience delivering automation projects in manufacturing or industrial environments, especially through integrators/OEMs (requirements definition, scope control, commissioning, acceptance). Candidates with more experience can be considered for a higher level or vice‑versa.
• Working knowledge of robotic cell architecture (robot + EOAT + vision + safety + recovery logic) sufficient to lead technical discussions and challenge proposals.
• Working knowledge of OT integration fundamentals: PLC signals/interfaces, sensors/actuators, industrial networking, and production system connectivity (e.g., traceability devices, vision interfaces, safety interlocks).
• Strong project execution skills: organizing multi‑stakeholder work, managing vendor deliverables, documenting decisions, and driving schedules in fast‑paced production environments.
• Strong communication and shop‑floor leadership: ability to align production teams and suppliers, train users on new systems, and support sustained adoption.

Applicants must be legally authorized for employment in the United States without need for current or future employer‑sponsored work authorization. Siemens Energy employees with current visa sponsorship may be eligible for internal transfers.

Equal employment opportunity statement (EEO) is included here as required.