Automation & Controls Engineer

Job Title: Automation and Controls Engineer

1. Educational requirements:

1. 2–4-year degree in engineering, automation, mechatronics, or a related technical discipline preferred; Other technical degree with equivalent applicable experience considered.
2. Minimum 2 years’ experience in manufacturing controls, industrial controls, or equipment design.
3. Experience with plastic extrusion and medical device manufacturing is a plus.

1. Reports to: Supply Chain and Maintenance Manager

1. Primary job responsibility: Leads the design, development, and support of automated systems and specialized production equipment to advance manufacturing operations. Collaborates with cross-functional teams, mentors technical staff, and ensures all activities align with company goals, safety standards, and ISO requirements.

1. Essential functions of position:

Equipment Development

1. Design, build, and integrate specialized production equipment systems for manufacturing operations.
2. Lead projects from concept through deployment, including project planning, resource coordination, and timeline management.
3. Maintain comprehensive records of new equipment designs, builds, and modifications.

Equipment Maintenance & Troubleshooting

1. Troubleshoot and repair existing production equipment systems to ensure optimal uptime and performance.
2. Maintain accurate records of equipment repairs, changes, and preventive maintenance activities.
3. Manage inventory of parts and materials required for equipment repairs and builds.

Process Improvement & Data-Driven Decision Making

1. Analyze production workflows and KPIs to identify and implement automation and efficiency improvements.
2. Lead and participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including root cause analysis, corrective actions, and process validation (Installation Qualifications, Operational Qualifications, Process Qualifications)
3. Track and report on automation project outcomes, including impact on labor reduction, cycle time, and quality.

Technical Skills

1. Demonstrate strong hands-on mechanical aptitude and proficiency in SolidWorks for equipment design and documentation.
2. Apply advanced knowledge of electricity, including:

1. Electrical component selection
2. Control systems and industrial networking
3. Wire sizing, load calculations, and equipment connections
4. PLCs, HMIs, servo motors, stepper motors, AC/DC motors
5. Program and integrate commercial components such as temperature controllers, servo motor controllers, robotics, and vision systems.

1. Interpret and create technical drawings, schematics, and documentation.

General Skills

1. Exhibit strong organizational and project management skills.
2. Manage multiple assignments and priorities simultaneously.
3. Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
4. Mentor and train technicians and operators on equipment systems and best practices.
5. Work collaboratively in a team environment and demonstrate a continuous improvement mindset.
6. Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.

Safety & ISO Compliance

1. Ensure all equipment and automation solutions comply with company safety policies, OSHA, and regulatory standards.
2. Support and maintain documentation required for ISO 13485, ISO 9001, and other relevant quality management systems.
3. Adhere to all personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements as defined by company policy.
4. Is the work described above checked by another individual?? YES ? NO
5. Consistent motor skills and other requirements of the position:

Consistent lifting of up to 25 lbs. – Rarely

Minimum lifting of 1 lb. – Frequently

Maximum carrying distance of up to 100 ft. – Rarely

Reaching – must be able to reach machines and/or materials up to 6 ft. from the floor – Occasionally

Kneeling – Occasionally

Climbing stairs – Occasionally

Repetitive motion – right/left hand/wrist – Frequently

Repetitive motion – right/left foot/ankle – N/A

Continuous arm motions – Yes

Must be able to avoid potentially moving objects which could cause injury – Yes

Must be able to grasp and move objects consistently and regularly – Yes

Vision: intricate nature of work requires vision of 20/20 with or without corrective lenses – Yes

Must be able to use gaging equipment and tools – Yes

Must demonstrate ability to work productively and efficiently with others – Yes

Microspec offers competitive wages and benefits, including:

Sign-On Bonus

Comprehensive Health Insurance

Matching 401K plan annually after 1 year

Entry-level 2 weeks paid vacation

64 Hours personal/sick time (unused time paid out at the end of the year)

Annual discretionary bonus

Salary range-$38-$44 per hour based on experience