Automation and Controls Engineer

Filtration Group; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Filtration Group is seeking an Automation Engineer to support advanced technical issues and ensure long‑term reliability of deployed automated systems on the manufacturing floor. You will troubleshoot, optimize, and enhance equipment, mentor maintenance technicians, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to improve process efficiency and safety compliance.

Strong PLC programming experience (Siemens/AB) and familiarity with Fanuc robots and servo controls are highly valued, with C++

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in manufacturing automation.
• Proficiency in PLC programming (Siemens and AB), Fanuc robots, and servo control systems.
• Hands-on diagnostics of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and control failures.
• Ability to read machinery schematics.
• Independently drive improvements while collaborating cross-functionally.
• C++ programming experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve automation failures.
• Lead system-level initiatives for hardware/software upgrades.
• Maintain spare parts and documentation.
• Analyze system data to improve equipment efficiency.
• Mentor engineering and maintenance teams.
• Ensure safety standards and quality requirements.
• Collaborate with vendors to improve parts availability.
• Design reliability strategies for electrical, pneumatic and mechanical systems.

Skills

PLC programming

Fanuc robotics

Servo control systems

Diagnostics

Cross-functional collaboration

C++ programming

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Fanuc robotics

Servo control systems

Job description

Overview

As an Automation Engineer, you will be responsible for advanced technical support and ensuring the long-term reliability of deployed automated systems. You will work at the intersection of troubleshooting, system optimization, and product enhancement to ensure that automation systems perform reliably.

This role supports and collaborates with a cross-functional team. Assisting in diagnosing machine failures and implementing improvements by optimizing automatic equipment to ensure consistent process efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and resolve automation failures.
• Design and implement strategies that improve software programs, electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems reliability.
• Lead system-level initiatives, hardware, software, upgrades.
• Maintain a spare part of the equipment.
• Analyze system data, identifying opportunities for improvement in equipment efficiency.
• Mentor the Engineering team and Maintenance technicians in troubleshooting common failure modes.
• Maintain system documentation, including procedures, maintenance logs, and setup records.
• Serve as a technical expert for complex technical issues.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, internal quality requirements, and industry regulations.
• Collaborate with vendors to improve parts availability.

Qualifications

• 5 Years of experience in manufacturing automation.
• Proficiency in programming PLC’s (Siemens and AB), Fanuc robots, and servo control systems.
• Hands‑on experience diagnosing mechanical, electrical, pneumatics and control failures.
• Extensive knowledge of reading machinery schematics.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with automatic equipment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating cross‑functionally.
• Programming C++ experience is a plus.