Automation Design Engineer

On the heels of achieving 3X growth
, Virginia Transformer is hiring to do it again!

We’re strategically building our team for the next 3X growth cycle — a phase that is both intense and incredibly rewarding
. We’re highly selective about who joins us, because this journey isn’t for everyone.

If you have the drive, grit, and expertise to perform at a high level — and you want to grow your career 3X alongside the Company’s growth — we’d love to talk.

Apply below and let’s start the conversation.

Virginia Transformer is the largest

U.S.

-owned producer of power transformers in North America, and we’ve been able to grow the past 50-plus years through an unwavering focus on delivering for our customers. We’re more than 5,400 people strong and are known throughout the industry for being an engineering company that makes premium quality transformers in the shortest lead times.

As a privately held, organically growing company
, we thrive on nimbleness, innovation, and tenacity.

If you love the thrill of securing the U.S. electric grid, enabling all manufacturing in the country, and the energy of a fast-moving train — this is the place for you. We train hard, grow together, and lead with purpose. Every transformer we build is custom, every challenge unique, and every team member essential.

We’re looking for those ready to lead, fueled by commitment, and driven by impact. We are growing so fast that all our available roles are not yet posted, so let us know if you are interested and we will follow-up.

Location: Rincon, GA

Position Summary

Virginia Transformer Corp. is seeking a Design & Simulation Engineer – Robotics Automation to support advanced robotics and automation initiatives within our manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for supporting projects from early concept development through commissioning, with a strong focus on mechanical design, digital simulation, and virtual validation of robotic work cells.

The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience designing robotic cells, building offline simulations, and preparing systems for integration—helping reduce risk, compress project timelines, and ensure performance before physical build.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop robotic cell layouts, tooling concepts, and mechanical designs including:
• Structural frames
• Guarding systems
• End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT)
• Fixturing and clamping solutions
• Perform robot reach, payload, and cycle-time analyses.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and manufacturing drawings.
• Support design reviews and collaborate cross-functionally with controls, safety, and manufacturing teams.

Simulation & Virtual Validation

• Build offline robotic simulations to validate:
• Motion paths
• Cycle times
• Conduct “what-if” studies to optimize throughput, layout, and performance.
• Support virtual Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) prior to physical build.
• Maintain and update digital twins to reflect as-built conditions.

Project & Integration Support

• Collaborate with controls engineers to align on PLC and robot integration assumptions.
• Support safety concept development, including guarding, scanners, and reach envelopes.
• Participate in FATs, on-site installation, commissioning, and system optimization.
• Support documentation efforts including layouts, simulation files, and SOP inputs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics
  , or a related automation-focused discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in mechanical design and industrial robotics automation.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (Solid Works, Inventor, CATIA, or similar).
• Hands-on experience with robotic simulation tools such as:
• FANUC ROBOGUIDE
• Process Simulate or Visual Components
• Strong understanding of industrial automation workflows and manufacturing environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with PLC-controlled systems (Allen-Bradley preferred).
• Understanding of servo motion systems and kinematics.
• Working knowledge of robot safety standards:
• ISO 10218
• ISO 13849
• ANSI/RIA R15.06
• Experience supporting fast-track or high-capital automation projects.
• Background in manufacturing or with a system integrator.

Tools & Technologies

• Industrial robotic systems
• Simulation: FANUC ROBOGUIDE, Process Simulate
• Documentation:
  AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel, Power Point

Typical Project Involvement

• Concept development and layout validation
• Simulation-driven cycle-time and throughput optimization
• Design freeze support for fast-track builds
• Commissioning and production ramp-up support