Automation & Continuous Improvement Engineer

AeroFarms; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary plus annual bonus

Equity

401k matching

Paid time off (vacation/sick)

Health plan

Job summary

AeroFarms is seeking an Automation & Continuous Improvement Engineer at our Danville, VA facility to optimize automated production and packaging systems across our indoor farming operation.

You will lead mechanical design, PLC control modifications, and data-driven improvements to boost throughput, reduce downtime, and improve product quality. Collaboration with operations and engineering is essential for measurable results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering as listed.
• 3+ years in highly automated manufacturing or packaging environments.
• OR Associate’s degree with 7–10 years automation experience.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement improvements to automated production and packaging systems to increase throughput and reduce downtime.
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Implement automation improvements that improve equipment uptime, product flow, and labor efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and root cause analysis.

Skills

Mechanical troubleshooting

Automation troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Hands-on problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or Mechatronics

Associate’s degree in Automation, Mechatronics or related field

Tools

Allen-Bradley ControlLogix

Siemens PLCs

Schneider PLCs

Wago controllers

Job description

AeroFarms is transforming agriculture with people and the planet in mind. As a Certified B Corporation and a pioneer in indoor vertical farming, we have built a proprietary agriculture platform to grow products delivering superior flavor, better quality, and improved nutrition and food safety in our industry.

Join AeroFarms at our advanced indoor farming and automated packaging facility in Danville, VA as an Automation & Continuous Improvement Engineer. This role will drive automation performance, packaging efficiency, and mechanical innovation across the facility while working closely with operations and engineering teams to continuously improve production systems.

Position Overview

The Automation & Continuous Improvement Engineer is responsible for improving the performance, reliability, and scalability of automated systems across AeroFarms’ production and packaging operations.

This role combines automation engineering, mechanical design, and manufacturing process optimization to drive measurable improvements in throughput, quality, and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate thrives in a hands‑on manufacturing environment, enjoys solving complex production challenges, and is motivated by building and improving real-world systems.

Key Responsibilities – Manufacturing Automation & Process Optimization

• Identify and implement improvements to automated production and packaging systems to increase throughput and reduce downtime.
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
• Implement automation improvements that improve equipment uptime, product flow, and labor efficiency.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and root cause analysis.

Packaging Systems Engineering

• Improve the performance of automated packaging lines including weighing systems, conveyors, labeling equipment, and product handling systems.
• Optimize line balance and material flow to reduce operational bottlenecks.
• Reduce product giveaway and improve packaging accuracy through process improvements and automation modifications.
• Support the design and integration of new packaging technologies and equipment.

Mechanical Design & Equipment Innovation

• Design mechanical improvements and custom components to enhance equipment performance.
• Develop fixtures, brackets, guards, and tooling to support automation improvements.
• Work with fabrication teams or vendors to implement equipment modifications.
• Prototype and test equipment upgrades to improve reliability and efficiency.

Automation & Controls Engineering

• Support and modify PLC-controlled automation systems across the facility.
• Troubleshoot and optimize robotics, motion systems, and automated work cells.
• Modify PLC logic to support new processes, equipment upgrades, and production improvements.
• Support commissioning and integration of new automated equipment.

Equipment Reliability & Performance

• Investigate recurring equipment issues and lead root cause analysis.
• Implement engineering improvements that reduce equipment failures and improve system robustness.
• Develop engineering solutions that improve maintainability and reliability of automated systems.

Cross-Functional Engineering Collaboration

• Partner with operations, maintenance, agronomy, and engineering teams to solve production challenges.
• Work with external integrators, vendors, and equipment manufacturers to develop system improvements.
• Support capital improvement projects and equipment upgrades.

Safety, Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure all equipment modifications meet machine safety, electrical safety, and food manufacturing standards.
• Maintain documentation and change management records for automation and equipment improvements.

Technical Scope

• PLC platforms (Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, Siemens, Schneider, Wago)
• Automated packaging systems
• Conveyance and product handling equipment
• Servo and stepper motion control systems
• Robotic work cells
• Industrial sensors and instrumentation
• Weigh scales and labeling systems
• Pumps, valves, motors, and environmental control equipment

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, or Mechatronics
• 3+ years of experience in highly automated manufacturing or packaging environments

OR

• Associate’s degree in Automation, Mechatronics, or related field and 7–10 years of industrial automation experience

Preferred:

• Experience in high-speed packaging or automated manufacturing
• Experience with mechanical design or equipment fabrication
• Experience working in food manufacturing or regulated industries
• Experience with robotics or motion control systems

Skills & Competencies

• Strong mechanical and automation troubleshooting ability
• Ability to design and implement practical engineering solutions
• Hands‑on approach to solving manufacturing challenges
• Experience analyzing production systems and identifying improvements
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to translate operational problems into engineering solutions
• Curiosity and drive to continuously improve systems

Summary of Benefits

Base salary range is $100,000–$130,000 annually, annual company/performance bonus, eligible for equity, matching 401k with no vesting period, 4+ weeks of vacation/sick time/PTO, group health plan including medical, dental, vision etc.

In accordance with organizational protocol, employees will at times be required to fill absences in the operation process that are equal to or lower than their positional hierarchy. Additionally, if an employee is absent, the role of the absent employee is to be completed by their immediate superior.
Internal candidates seeking a promotion must have completed a minimum of six months in their current role and/or have less than four attendance points, with no corrective actions before becoming eligible for consideration.