Automation and Controls Process Development Engineer

Owens Corning; Macon (GA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Owens Corning is hiring for a role focused on developing manufacturing processes and overseeing automation projects. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and at least 3 years of experience in industrial automation or robotics. Responsibilities include designing automated systems, ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and implementing process improvements. The position requires effective communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Preference is for candidates located near Charlotte, NC or Atlanta, GA.

Qualifications

• Proven 3+ years' experience in a manufacturing or technical environment.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles, TPM, and process optimization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated systems, including robotics and PLCs.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Develop and maintain standards for automation architecture.

Skills

Industrial automation

Robotics

Control systems integration

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or related field

Tools

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Automation software (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens)

Python for scripting

Braincube

Aspentech

Job description

This role is responsible for developing new manufacturing processes and overseeing Controls and Automation workstreams within capital projects. It ensures that automation strategies are properly designed, integrated, and executed to drive operational improvements. Key responsibilities include eliminating or reengineering manual tasks, advancing future‑of‑work initiatives, and enabling safer, more efficient, and more reliable production operations. Typical duties involve defining new application requirements, updating existing applications based on functional needs, conducting cost‑benefit analyses, and prototyping, designing, integrating, and testing robotic and automation systems.

REPORTS TO: This position reports to the Process Development Manager.

TRAVEL: 40‑50% typical, as needed.

SPAN OF CONTROL: This position has no direct reports. This role is also expected to provide support and coaching to Process and Technical teams and the site subject matter experts across the division.

REGION: This position will support 4‑6 plants in Doors Division.

LOCATION: Preference to live near the Charlotte, NC or Atlanta, GA area or any other Owens Corning Doors locations. Remote on travel weeks.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe work environment through employee coaching and engagement.
• Effectively communicate Owens Corning’s Safety Stand with external contractors/parties and ensure that they work according to our safety standards.
• Ensure all processes/automation are adhered to OC Safety Standards.
• Lead by example through hazard recognition and elimination.
• Provide support to sites with a customer‑centric approach by collaborating with Plant teams and working on developing process/automation projects that will eliminate Dull, Dangerous and Dirty tasks.
• Collaborate with Process SME Engineers in identifying process needs and process limits and design process/automation meeting those Process Specs.
• Design and implement automated systems, including robotics, PLCs, and control systems.
• Develop and maintain standards for automation architecture, programming, and documentation.
• Collaborate with operations, IT, and quality teams to identify automation opportunities and deliver cost‑effective solutions.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful execution.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and cybersecurity requirements for automated systems.
• Facilitate engagement with capital engineering, IT, Productivity, reliability and Quality Teams and ensure projects and goals are being met. Remove roadblocks and re‑assign resources as needed. Guide team members in analyzing process data and providing feedback to plants to optimize performance.
• Ensure effective use of new process technologies (Digital Manufacturing) in Doors operations. Promote networking between plants, R&D, and other groups to identify and implement best practices.
• Implement root‑cause analysis and corrective actions for issues surfaced through losses in Automation, leveraging digital tools.
• Identify and implement equipment improvements, working directly with the Capital Engineering team and Productivity team as needed.
• Use a comprehensive Management of Change process on projects with Lessons Learned after completion of projects.
• Ensure that preventative and predictive plans, work instructions, and other procedures related to the installation, maintenance and repair of plant equipment and machinery are built and executed.
• Aid in the development and implementation of the Doors capital plan, Doors site improvement plans, and Doors process stability plan.
• Commission and support project startup as the technical and process resource when applicable, working directly with plant and Capital engineering teams.
• Execute training plans for plant Operations/Maint/Technical Leaders and create a continuous learning environment for employees.
• Train and direct the work of skilled craft people in advanced process control understanding.
• Document knowledge into a knowledge repository, and share knowledge with key personnel and stakeholders.
• Perform other work/responsibilities as directed by plant leadership, operations team, or Division.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation, or related field.
• Experience in industrial automation, robotics, and control systems integration.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience within a manufacturing or technical environment; heavy manufacturing in a Discrete operation or Doors industry highly preferred. Additional 4 years of experience in lieu of an engineering degree.
• Knowledge of PLC programming, SCADA systems, and industrial networking.
• Familiarity with Lean manufacturing principles, TPM and process optimization.
• Proficiency in automation software and tools (e.g., Rockwell, Siemens, Python for scripting).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across technical and non‑technical teams.
• Ability to lead complex automation projects from concept to implementation.
• Ability to adapt to emerging technologies and changing business needs.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines.
• Certification in Six Sigma (Green Belt) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to analyze and use data to drive sustainable equipment improvements.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities or projects at one time.
• Ability to influence without authority.
• Can use data effectively to establish a concrete Return on Investment (ROI) of suggestions.
• Experience working in a cross‑functional team environment and effectively transferring knowledge at all levels through effective communication skills.
• Experience with project management; understanding internal and external needs.
• Computer and software competencies; skills in Braincube, and Aspentech preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with Root Cause Analysis, Failure Mode Effects and Analysis, and other Total Productive Maintenance activities preferred.