Senior Automation / Controls Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation / Controls Engineer to lead the design, development, implementation, commissioning, and optimization of advanced automation and control systems within a manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on expertise in PLC programming, robotics, HMI, motion control, industrial networks, machine safety, and manufacturing system integration, along with experience leading automation projects from concept through production implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of automation and controls systems for manufacturing operations.
• Develop and maintain PLC architecture, HMI applications, motion control systems, robotics, industrial networks, and machine safety solutions.
• Lead automation projects from concept and technical specifications through commissioning and production stabilization.
• Design controls architecture, define hardware specifications, establish programming standards, and support system validation.
• Support industrial robot integration, programming, end-of-arm tooling, cell optimization, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
• Collaborate with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, IT/OT, Supply Chain, and external suppliers.
• Support equipment procurement, including technical specifications, supplier evaluations, technical reviews, FAT, SAT, and final acceptance.
• Establish automation and controls standards focused on equipment reliability, maintainability, cybersecurity, and operational support.
• Drive digital manufacturing initiatives involving IIoT, machine monitoring, data collection, remote diagnostics, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Support new product introductions through process automation, equipment development, manufacturing system integration, and production readiness.
• Identify productivity improvements through robotics, vision systems, automated material handling, error-proofing, and equipment modernization.
• Analyze equipment performance and implement improvements to increase OEE, throughput, yield, and labor efficiency while reducing downtime.
• Provide technical leadership during installation, startup, debugging, safety validation, commissioning, and production ramp-up.
• Mentor engineers, technicians, and maintenance teams on automation, robotics, controls troubleshooting, and problem-solving practices.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, robotics integration, or industrial equipment development.
• Strong experience leading automation capital projects from concept through production implementation.
• Expert-level experience with:
  • PLC programming
  • Controls architecture
  • Robot programming/integration
  • Machine safety
  • Manufacturing system integration
• Experience working with production-critical equipment in high-volume or complex manufacturing environments.
• Experience managing automation suppliers, system integrators, equipment builders, and technical service partners.
• Strong troubleshooting, commissioning, debugging, and production-support experience.

Preferred Industry Background

• Industrial Manufacturing
• Factory Automation / Robotics
• Automotive or Heavy Equipment Manufacturing
• Material Handling
• Complex Assembly Manufacturing

Additional Details

Location: Florence, SC
Work Arrangement: On-site manufacturing environment
Experience: 8+ years