ENGINEER PRODUCTION 1

Position Summary

The Automation Production Engineer I supports the continuous improvement, implementation, and sustainment of automated manufacturing processes and equipment. The role focuses on PLC-controlled equipment, industrial robotics, sensors, actuators, machine controls, and manufacturing automation. Responsibilities include supporting equipment troubleshooting, engineering changes, new product and process introductions, capital projects, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The engineer works closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Controls, and Equipment suppliers to improve equipment safety, quality, uptime, efficiency, productivity, and cost. This is an entry-level engineering position working under the guidance of senior engineers and engineering management.

Position Responsibilities

• Support continuous improvement activities for automated manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Assist with PLC-controlled equipment, industrial robots, HMIs, sensors, actuators, servo systems, motors, and pneumatic devices.
• Support troubleshooting of automation, controls, electrical, and mechanical equipment issues.
• Assist with PLC and HMI program modifications under guidance of experienced engineers.
• Support robot programming, teaching, recovery, and optimization activities.
• Participate in equipment installation, startup, commissioning, debugging, and production validation.
• Support equipment runoff and acceptance testing at supplier locations.
• Assist with development and implementation of automated fixtures, tooling, material-handling systems, and assembly equipment.
• Utilize Lean manufacturing, Kaizen, time studies, and root-cause analysis to improve safety, quality, cycle time, uptime, and productivity.
• Participate in 8D, FMEA, and corrective-action activities for equipment and process issues.
• Work with Design and Manufacturing Engineers to support new products, process changes, and equipment modifications.
• Support engineering change requests and maintain equipment drawings, programs, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Assist with capital equipment projects including specifications, vendor coordination, installation, and commissioning.
• Work with equipment suppliers and system integrators to improve machine uptime, efficiency, reliability, and quality.
• Provide technical support to Production and Maintenance during day-to-day manufacturing operations.
• Support technicians with equipment troubleshooting and process improvement activities.
• Participate in cross-functional teams for new equipment launches, automation upgrades, and manufacturing improvements.
• Perform additional engineering projects as required to support business needs.

Nature & Scope

• Entry-level engineering position with structured assignments and guidance from senior engineers.
• Applies engineering fundamentals to manufacturing automation and controls applications.
• Supports troubleshooting and improvement of routine equipment and process issues.
• Works within established engineering, safety, and manufacturing procedures.
• Communicates project status, technical findings, and corrective actions to the engineering team.

Knowledge & Skills

• Basic understanding of industrial automation and manufacturing systems.
• Basic knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial robots, sensors, motors, actuators, and control systems.
• Familiarity with PLC platforms such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, Omron, or similar is preferred.
• Familiarity with industrial robotics such as FANUC, Yaskawa, ABB, Kawasaki, or similar is preferred.
• Basic understanding of electrical schematics, control panels, I/O, Ethernet-based industrial networks, and machine communications.
• Basic knowledge of mechanical systems, pneumatics, servo systems, conveyors, tooling, and automated equipment.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing concepts including Kaizen, value stream mapping, Kanban, line balancing, and time studies.
• Basic understanding of 8D, FMEA, root-cause analysis, and structured problem solving.
• Familiarity with machine safety systems, guarding, interlocks, light curtains, and safety devices is preferred.
• Experience with AutoCAD, electrical/controls drawings, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Effective analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational, communication, teamwork, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, vendors, and engineering teams.

Experience

• 0–2 years of experience in Automation, Controls, Manufacturing, Production, Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering.
• Internship, cooperative education, university projects, or hands-on experience involving PLCs, robotics, automation equipment, or manufacturing systems is preferred.
• Experience in HVAC, automotive, appliance, or other high-volume manufacturing environments is preferred but not required.

Education / Certification

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related engineering discipline required.