Lead Automation, Sensing and Control Engineer

Job Description Summary

The Lead Automation, Sensing and Control Engineer will maintain, analyze, troubleshoot, and program complex industrial machinery/controls and IT systems for the Schenectady Cores and Castings manufacturing plant within GE VERNOVA Gas Power in Schenectady, NY.

The Lead Automation, Sensing and Control Engineer specialist will be entrusted to:

* Implement global standards from the 1P1P in automation and robotics processes throughout SCC facility.

* Design, develop, and implement factory automation and robotic systems to enhance safety, improve production quality, streamline manufacturing processes, and increase productivity. You will be involved in the entire lifecycle of an automation system, from concept and design to programming, testing, and deployment. This role requires a combination of expertise in mechanical engineering, electrical systems, and computer science.

* be a focal point for new technology introductions, new process introductions, fixturing, process, control plans, and qualifications of new manufacturing assets.

Job Description

Role And Responsibilities

* Design, develop, prototype and test innovative automated solutions and robotic systems and components.

* Integrate hardware, software, and sensors (such as LiDAR, cameras, and IMUs) into automation platforms as defined by roadmap actions.

* Program robots for specific tasks, including motion control, path planning, and autonomous navigation.

* Integrate all forms of industrial automation devices into plc logic (e.g. motion, vision, touch, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical).

* Conduct simulations and tests to validate the performance and reliability of automation systems under real-world manufacturing production conditions.

* Support design reviews with internal stakeholders and integration partners to determine equipment requirements.

* Ensure compliance with industry safety and regulatory standards as well as GE Vernova EHS requirements throughout the development and deployment process.

* Become the technical expert on industrial equipment operation specific to controls systems on machine tools, robotics, and IT systems. Troubleshoot and debug complex automation and robotic systems, resolving issues related to hardware, software and controls operation of equipment.

* Perform as the lead point of contact with controls equipment OEM and parts vendors.

* Analyze IT system/machinery controls failures for indications of assignable causes, identify and recommend corrective actions, and work with maintenance team and/or external suppliers to implement corrective action.

* Perform routine systems maintenance including but not limited to:
Installing patches on servers, adding new equipment to FMS, creating HMIs, managing system tags, managing access to Historian and FMS, managing access to jump boxes via Bitvise, and maintaining firewall rules.

* Document and revised technical specifications, Process Maps, Electro-Mechanical Drawing, test plans, and maintenance procedures.

* Assist in the integration of automation and AI into manufacturing systems as needed.

* Work projects to a specific schedule and budget, providing timely communication to key stakeholders.

* Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., EHS, Manufacturing Engineers, Design Engineering, Process Engineers, Quality, Materials, Industrialization, Operations and Sourcing) to define project requirements and ensure seamless integration. Provide effective communication to appropriate team members when needed. Daily interface with manufacturing, management, and product team.

* Contribute to Kaizen, Lean, Built-in-Quality initiatives, Management of Change, Safety Risk Assessments and LOTO on all designed equipment.

* Work effectively in a fast-paced environment while embracing and driving positive change inside and outside the organization when appropriate.

* This position involves a "hands-on" approach with consistent presence on the production floor, during Gemba walks at the beginning of the shift and a daily check-in with operators, maintenance, and leaders.

Required qualifications

* Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university or college in:
Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Software Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related field.

* Must have a minimum of 6 years of industrial experience in designing & deploying factory automation and robotics.

* Proficient in control networks including:
Ethernet/IP, Device Net, MTConnect, OPC-UA, Modbus, Profi Net, Profibus.

* Expertise with PLCs, sensor/actuator integration, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, FMS.

* Proficient in industrial communication protocols including:
Fieldbus, Ethernet, Serial, and Wireless.

* Proficient in plant manufacturing systems, electrical/controls technology in a production and processing environment, vision and barcode scanning, servo controllers, speed variator, and systems, and analog/digital signals.

* Proficient in programming languages such as C++, Python.

* Experience with…