Automation Engineer

Location: Newburyport, Massachusetts

Company: BCA, part of Mpac Group

Department: Engineering

Travel: Up to 25%

Build, Program and Commission Advanced Automation Systems

Are you an Automation Engineer or Controls Engineer who enjoys seeing a machine progress from initial concept and programming through to commissioning and production?

Boston Conveyor and Automation (BCA), part of Mpac Group, is growing and we're looking for a talented Automation Engineer to join our engineering team in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

You'll work on complex, custom-built automation equipment for customers across the food manufacturing, life sciences and general manufacturing industries, combining PLC/HMI programming, robotics, motion control and machine vision to deliver innovative automated solutions.

If you enjoy solving challenging engineering problems, working hands-on with machinery and taking ownership of automation projects, this could be an excellent next step.

What You'll Be Doing

As an Automation Engineer, you'll be involved throughout the complete lifecycle of our automation projects, from controls design and programming through testing, installation and commissioning.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing, programming, simulating and testing complex custom automation systems
• Programming and integrating PLCs, HMIs, robotics, machine vision systems, safety devices and motor drives
• Taking responsibility for full system programming, testing and debugging
• Performing machine start-ups, configuration, calibration and functional testing
• Installing and commissioning automation systems at customer sites
• Troubleshooting electrical, controls, software and machine performance issues
• Integrating new control systems and modifying existing automation equipment
• Programming and working with motion control systems including servos, steppers and VFDs
• Testing and validating controls to ensure reliable machine operation
• Supporting equipment installation, commissioning, maintenance and upgrades
• Participating in design reviews to identify technical risks and potential issues
• Working closely with Electrical, Robotics and Mechanical Engineering, Project Management and Assembly teams
• Producing and maintaining system documentation and operating instructions
• Managing engineering activities against project schedules, milestones and cost targets
• Supporting and mentoring less experienced engineers
• Working directly with customers and other stakeholders to successfully deliver projects.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for an engineer with hands-on experience working with industrial automation, controls or robotic systems.

Ideally, you'll have:

• A Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent relevant experience
• Experience working with automated systems within manufacturing or another technical environment
• Strong PLC and HMI programming skills, ideally using Allen-Bradley
• Practical experience with machine vision systems
• Knowledge of motion control including servos, steppers and VFDs
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial automation and robotic equipment
• Experience with PID control/tuning and servo systems
• The ability to read and produce electrical schematics, panel layouts, safety systems and P&ID drawings
• Experience using AutoCAD, BricsCAD or equivalent
• Knowledge of automated system risk assessments and machine safety
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The ability to manage priorities and deliver against project deadline
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work with customers, suppliers and multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Technologies You'll Work With

Your experience may include:

• PLC & HMI: Allen-Bradley
• Machine Vision: Cognex, FANUC, Keyence
• Robotics: FANUC, Staubli
• Motion Control: Servo systems, steppers and VFDs
• Controls: PID control and tuning
• Electrical Design: AutoCAD, BricsCAD or equivalent.

Experience programming FANUC or Staubli robots, working within an OEM or machine-building environment, or delivering automated equipment into food & beverage or life sciences would be particularly advantageous.

Why Join BCA?

At BCA, you'll have the opportunity to work as part of a multidisciplinary team delivering sophisticated automation projects from concept through to commissioning.

As part of Mpac Group environment, you'll work within a culture built around five core values:

Integrity | Drive | Collaboration | Expertise | Innovation

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health insurance
• Dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• Paid vacation, holidays and sick time

Travel

This position requires the ability to travel up to 25%, including occasional periods of one to two weeks away when supporting installation, commissioning and other customer-site activities.

Ready for Your Next Automation Challenge?

If you're an Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer or PLC Engineer looking for the opportunity to work on complex automated machinery and take projects from programming through to commissioning, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today and join BCA as we continue to develop and deliver innovative automation solutions.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.