Automation Engineer

Position Summary
The Automation Engineer is responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and implementing automation opportunities across the organization to improve operational efficiency, quality, productivity, and profitability. This role will evaluate business and manufacturing processes throughout the company and develop strategies to reduce manual work, eliminate waste, improve data accuracy, and increase throughput. The Automation Engineer will work closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Customer Service, Sales, HR, and Accounting to assess current-state processes, develop automation roadmaps, build business cases, and lead implementation efforts.

Qualifications:

• BS in Engineering (or equivalent technical degree)
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing/production environment (hands-on with automation such as PLCs, robotics, sensors, machine integration, vision systems preferred)
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement techniques (Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred)
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP preferred).
• Ability to analyze, document, and improve business and operational processes using SQL, Power BI, manufacturing data systems, dashboards, reporting tools
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities:

• Assess manufacturing and business workflows to identify, prioritize, and maintain an automation roadmap aligned with company objectives.
• Evaluate automation opportunities based on ROI, labor savings, quality improvements, risk reduction, and implementation feasibility.
• Develop business cases, recommendations, implementation plans, timelines, budgets, and success metrics for automation projects.
• Analyze production workflows, material movement, quality inspections, maintenance activities, reporting processes, and shop floor data collection opportunities.
• Support digital manufacturing initiatives connected to production systems, and operational efficiency improvements that reduce non-value-added activities.
• Design, develop, test, and deploy approved automation solutions, including workflow automation, RPA, digital forms, reporting solutions, and system integrations.
• Collaborate with IT, manufacturing, and business stakeholders to ensure automation solutions are compatible, secure, and aligned with business needs.
• Improve data flow between ERP, CRM, HRIS, manufacturing systems, and other business applications.
• Develop reports, dashboards, AI-enabled analytics, and actionable insights to support operational decision-making.
• Lead adoption efforts for automation initiatives, including training materials, work instructions, process documentation, and stakeholder communication.
• Measure and report automation project outcomes, monitor system performance, and recommend enhancements.
• Stay current on emerging automation, manufacturing technology, AI, and industry best practices.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in accordance with 6S practices.