Automation Engineer - Archdale, NC

About the Role

The engineer will work closely with operators, maintenance, and engineering teams to identify and scope automation opportunities, supporting continuous improvement activities such as Kaizen and Lean events. Responsibilities include programming, testing, and troubleshooting control systems while maintaining compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards. Effective communication and documentation of project progress are essential. • Review production data to pinpoint automation bottlenecks. • Partner with operators, maintenance, and engineering to scope new automation projects. • Program, test, and troubleshoot PLCs and control systems (Allen‑Bradley, Automation Direct). • Contribute automation expertise to CI, Kaizen, and Lean improvement events. • Optimize existing automation code to reduce cycle time while maintaining quality. • Document project progress, control logic changes, and system updates for stakeholders. • Provide hands‑on troubleshooting and technical guidance to production and maintenance teams. • Design and implement capital project proposals, budgets, and implementation plans. • Support equipment commissioning, validation, and operator training. • Lead cost‑reduction and process‑improvement projects through automation. • Identify, source, and implement replacement automation components. • Track ROI of automation opportunities using production data analysis. • Ensure adherence to safety, environmental, and quality regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸plc programming
• ▸automation troubleshooting
• ▸code optimization
• ▸project design
• ▸roi tracking
• ▸safety compliance

What You Bring

We are seeking a proactive and technically skilled Automation Engineer to lead manufacturing automation initiatives that improve safety, reduce costs, and increase throughput. This hands‑on, collaborative role involves the design, programming, and integration of PLCs, robotic systems, and custom automation equipment. Physical demands include frequent sitting, hand use, and communication, with occasional standing, walking, and reaching above shoulder level. The role may require lifting or moving items up to 30 pounds and requires visual acuity for close work and depth perception. Reasonable accommodations are provided as needed. Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or a related engineering field and have 1–2 years of experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing engineering. Proficiency with CAD software (preferably Autodesk Inventor), SAP or similar ERP systems, and familiarity with industrial sensors and actuators are required. Preferred experience includes knowledge of ANSI/OSHA safety standards, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, stepper/servo controllers, automated vision, data historians, and Kanban methodologies. • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related Engineering. • Possess 1–2 years of experience in automation, controls, or manufacturing engineering. • Proficient in CAD software (Autodesk Inventor preferred) and SAP/ERP systems. • Familiar with industrial sensors, actuators, and control systems. • Demonstrate strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills. • Ability to manage multiple projects independently and travel domestically/internationally. • Preferred: Knowledge of ANSI/OSHA safety standards and experience with pneumatic/hydraulic systems. • Preferred: Experience with stepper/servo controllers, automated vision, data historians, and Kanban systems.

Requirements

• ▸bachelor's
• ▸1-2 yrs
• ▸inventor
• ▸sap
• ▸sensors
• ▸problem‑solving

Work Environment

Onsite