Digital Process Automation Engineer

Charter Manufacturing is a fourth-generation family-owned business where our will to grow drives us to do it better.  Join the team and become part of our family!

The Automation team at Charter Casting is hiring a Digital Process Automation Engineer!

Alternative Job Titles: Manufacturing Automation Engineer, MES & Automation Engineer, OT Systems Automation Engineer, Digital Automation Engineer, Manufacturing Systems Engineer

Charter Casting is a U.S.-based manufacturer of large complex iron castings and DuraBar®, the industry’s leading continuous cast iron bar. Charter Casting is a member of the Charter Manufacturing family of companies. 

Job Summary: Lead the design and execution of advanced automation and OT solutions across the business unit. Partner with cross-functional teams to identify and solve complex production and business challenges, establish standards, and drive scalable improvements.

Position specifics:

• Location: Woodstock IL

• Travel: Up to 10% to other Charter Manufacturing facilities

• Relocation:   Relocation benefits available   

• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Charter Manufacturing is unable to sponsor for employment visas at this time.

Key responsibilities:

• Architect and lead MES, HMI, and production system solutions

• Serve as the technical authority for solution architecture across MES and software automation platforms within the business unit

• Define OT system architecture and integration strategies

• Lead complex automation initiatives across OT and IT systems using software automation platforms

• Establish and scale enterprise-grade automation frameworks and reusable solutions

• Identify and solve production, quality, and efficiency challenges

• Establish standards, frameworks, and best practices

• Oversee system integrations across MES and controls layers

• Lead commissioning, upgrades, and large-scale implementations

• Mentor engineers and develop team capabilities

• Drive adoption of emerging technologies and continuous improvement

• Lead deployment, commissioning, and validation of solutions in production environments

• Ensure data integrity, quality, and consistency across integrated systems and reporting solutions

• Drive user adoption and change management across the business unit

• Maintain version control, documentation, and traceability for solutions

• Follow Environmental, Quality, and Safety Management System procedures and requirements

• Support systems operating in a 24/7 manufacturing environment as required

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

• 6+ years of experience in OT systems, software automation platforms, or software engineering

• Strong experience with MES, system integration, and software automation platforms

• Experience with database and data tools such as Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL), Snowflake data lake, and Alteryx

• Experience with GenAI platforms and tools

• Advanced programming and system architecture experience

• Experience leading projects and cross-functional initiatives

• Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills

Nice to haves:

• Experience with large-scale MES implementations, including Rockwell FactoryTalk ProductionCentre

• Deep experience with software automation platforms (RPA, low-code/no-code, workflow orchestration tools), preferably Automation Anywhere

• Experience with AI/GenAI-enabled automation solutions

• Experience managing vendors and external partners

• Knowledge of manufacturing standards (ISA-95, IEC/ISO 62264)

• Experience with cloud platforms and enterprise architectures

• Experience with cybersecurity principles and practices in OT and IT environments

• Experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies

Take the next step in your career, apply today!

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The annual hiring range for this position is: $100,000-$125,000. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will depend on various factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, experience, and qualifications. Compensation decisions are tailored to the unique circumstances of each position and candidate.

We offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, along with a 401(k) plan that includes employer matching and profit sharing. Additionally, we offer company-paid life insurance, disability coverage, and paid time off (PTO).