Automation Engineer

Role Overview:

The Automation Engineer supports manufacturing operations by designing, implementing, and maintaining automation and control systems directly on the plant floor. This is a hands-on, individual contributor role focused on improving safety, throughput, equipment reliability, and product consistency.

This position requires strong troubleshooting skills, the ability to work on live/energized industrial equipment, and comfort operating in a fast-paced, non-union manufacturing environment. The role partners closely with production, maintenance, manufacturing engineering, and quality teams to support daily operations and continuous improvement initiatives.

Relocation support is available for candidates moving to Dyersburg, TN.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience in automation and controls within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar platforms).
• Experience with HMIs, industrial communication networks, sensors, VFDs, and motion control systems.
• Strong ability to troubleshoot electrical and control systems on live production equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, ladder logic, and technical documentation.
• Comfortable working directly on the plant floor in a non-union environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate with operators, technicians, and engineers.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in transformer manufacturing, electrical equipment manufacturing, or heavy industrial environments.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as coil winding, core assembly, tank fabrication, drying/curing, oil filling, and electrical testing.
• Knowledge of industrial safety standards, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and electrical safety practices.
• Experience with data collection, scripting, or automation tools (Python, SQL, VBA).
• Exposure to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience integrating automation systems with ERP or MES platforms.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work on the manufacturing floor, including exposure to industrial equipment and production environments.
• Comfortable working around energized systems and electrical equipment.
• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility as needed to support operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design & Implement Automation Systems: Design, program, and support industrial automation and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, sensors, drives, and networks.
• Troubleshoot Production Equipment: Perform hands-on troubleshooting and root cause analysis for automation, electrical, and control issues impacting production.
• Support Manufacturing Operations: Work directly on the plant floor to minimize downtime and support daily production needs.
• Develop & Maintain PLC/HMI Programs: Create, modify, and maintain control system programs for new and existing equipment.
• Commission New Equipment: Support installation, testing, and startup of new manufacturing systems and automation solutions.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Partner with cross-functional teams to improve process capability, safety, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Identify Automation Opportunities: Recommend and implement automation, standardization, and error-proofing solutions.
• Maintain Technical Documentation: Ensure accuracy of electrical schematics, control narratives, and program revisions.
• Ensure Compliance: Maintain compliance with safety standards, electrical codes, and company policies.
• Support Data & Analytics Initiatives: Utilize data collection and analysis to support process improvements and performance optimization.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

GRIT Staffing & HR Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at eoc@gritstaffinghr.com so we can assist you.