Description
Manufacturing Automation Engineer II
Swedesboro, NJ | Full-Time
About the Role
We're looking for a Manufacturing Automation Engineer II who thrives at the intersection of automation, continuous improvement, and hands-on engineering. In this role, you'll design, implement, and optimize automated and semi-automated manufacturing systems that improve throughput, reduce waste, and elevate product quality.
If you enjoy solving complex production challenges, working cross-functionally, and seeing your automation solutions come to life on the factory floor, this is a role where your impact will be immediate and visible.
Why Join Us
- Make a real impact by designing automation that goes directly into production
- Work in a collaborative, cross-functional environment where engineering drives results
- Be part of a culture focused on continuous improvement, innovation, and safety
- Opportunity to mentor others and grow your technical leadership
What You'll Do
As a key technical leader within manufacturing, you will:
- Design, specify, procure, commission, and implement automated and semi-automated manufacturing equipment
- Develop and optimize automation strategies involving PLCs, robotics, motion control, machine vision, and automated test systems
- Lead and facilitate engineering activities such as DFA, PFMEA, A3 problem solving, DOE, RCA, and data analysis
- Serve as the operations lead for New Product Introductions (NPI) and engineering changes (ECNs/ECRs), ensuring automation readiness
- Partner with Lean/CI teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives that reduce defects, cycle time, and labor cost
- Support production through automation troubleshooting, PLC logic updates, HMI adjustments, and system upgrades
- Create and maintain routings, work instructions, process flows, control plans, and BOMs in ERP systems
- Apply Lean Manufacturing principles (5S, Kanban, SMED, line balancing) with an automation-first mindset
- Collaborate with suppliers and system integrators to evaluate and deploy new automation technologies
- Ensure compliance with OSHA and machine safety standards, implementing safety systems such as light curtains, e-stops, and LOTO
- Mentor and coach engineers, supporting technical growth and best practices
- Work cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Logistics, Maintenance, IT/OT, and Technical Sales teams
Technologies You'll Work With
- PLCs & Controls: Allen-Bradley/Rockwell, Siemens, Omron, Mitsubishi, Schneider Electric
- Robotics: ABB, FANUC, Yaskawa Motoman, Universal Robots, Kawasaki
- Vision & Sensors: Cognex, Keyence, Sick, Banner, Panasonic
- Motion Control: Kinetix, Bosch Rexroth, Festo, Parker Hannifin
- Design & Manufacturing Software: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Mastercam, ANSYS
- Data & Quality: Minitab, JMP, SPC, MES, NI LabVIEW
- ERP Systems: SAP, Oracle, Infor, Epicor, Microsoft Dynamics
Requirements
What You Bring
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Controls, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related), or equivalent hands-on automation experience
- 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience preferred with significant responsibility for automation
- Hands-on experience programming and troubleshooting PLC-controlled production systems
- Proven experience designing and supporting automated equipment (robotics, motion control, sensors, actuators, safety devices)
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve automation-related production issues
- Experience supporting NPI and design changes, with DFMA/DFA focus
- Working knowledge of PFMEA, control plans, routings, BOMs, and ERP/MRP systems
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel for automation data analysis
Preferred / Nice to Have
- Lean or Six Sigma certification
- Experience with automated electromechanical assembly or joining processes (welding, brazing, soldering)
- Familiarity with CE/UL compliance, safety PLCs, and machine risk assessments
Compensation & Transparency
We believe in transparent and equitable pay. All U.S. job postings include a good-faith salary range based on role, location, experience, and internal equity. We're happy to discuss compensation openly throughout the hiring process.