Automation & Controls Engineer I

Hunter Douglas; Georgia; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter Douglas is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, develop, and implement intermediate automation solutions across NA manufacturing plants. The role collaborates with engineering, production, and IT to identify opportunities, define requirements, and ensure seamless integration of equipment and controls into new processes.

Responsibilities include programming PLCs/robotics, creating specs, validating performance, and supporting startup and continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and implementing intermediate-level automation systems.
• Able to work with cross-functional teams (engineering, IT, maintenance).
• Familiarity with IEC61131-3 and HDNA standards.
• Experience FAT and SAT validations.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop intermediate control systems and automation solutions.
• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, CI, Maintenance, IT to meet project goals.
• Create project specifications including cost savings, capex, RFQ, timelines, and resources.
• Write, test, and debug control logic programs using IEC61131-3 and HDNA standards.
• Train plant personnel on deployed automation technologies and support startup activities.
• Validate FAT and SAT checklists for project handover.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA/DCS/MES

Motion control

Industrial automation

Robot integration

Project management

Electrical wiring

Vision systems

Cobots

Tools

Omron Sysmac Studio

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Beckhoff TC3

DeviceNet

CANOpen

EIP/ODVA

Job description

Hunter Douglas is the world's leading manufacturer of window coverings and a major manufacturer of architectural products. We are a brand that you know and trust. With more than 100 years of innovation, we've defined our industry with proprietary products that deliver revolutionary style and functionality and can be found in millions of homes and commercial buildings globally.

We are searching for candidates that are driven, intelligent, creative, and entrepreneurial. By offering challenging and accelerated opportunities for growth, powered by a shared hunger for success, we create a space for your career to thrive. In return for your expertise, we are committed to providing competitive and robust total compensation and benefit packages to ensure you feel valued. Our dream is to become the fastest growing, most loved, window covering company in the world. What's yours?

Position Overview

The position is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing intermediate level automated systems and solutions to support new manufacturing or operational initiatives across NA plants. This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams-including engineering, production, and IT-to identify automation opportunities, define technical requirements, and ensure seamless integration of equipment and controls into new processes or production lines. Key responsibilities with support from senior A&C engineers include selecting appropriate technologies, programming PLCs or robotics, managing project timelines, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring systems meet safety, efficiency, and quality standards. The engineer also plays a critical role in validating performance, supporting startup activities, and driving continuous improvement from concept to handover. Intermediate analytical, technical, and project management skills are essential, as well as the ability to adapt to evolving technologies and dynamic project environments.

What you'll do

System Design and Development:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Operations, Engineering, CI, Maintenance, IT developers, and Quality) to execute automation projects.
• Design intermediate level control systems and automation solutions that align with company standardization, project goals, and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with software IT teams to ensure compatibility and future expansion of machine connectivity & data acquisition activities.
• Create intermediate level project specifications that include cost savings, capex, RFQ, timeline, and resource requirements to define clear scope and transparency of projects. Supported by senior A&C engineers when required.
• Intermediate level management and/or supervision of the work of third parties or integrators executing project-related assignments in-house and outside Hunter Douglas. Conduct FAT and SAT validations.
• Train key plant personnel in automation technologies being deployed to ensure successful adoption and achieve improvement objectives.

Programming and System Integration:

• Write, test, and debug control logic programs using IEC61131-3 and HDNA standards for PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), DCS (Distributed Control Systems), MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
• Basic-Intermediate knowledge of motion control schemes (PTP and Coordinated motion) and Safety PLC system integration.
• Develop HMI (Human Machine Interface) programs for comprehensive machine interactions (alarms, machine state, recipe selection/edit, user login, and security).
• Basic knowledge of communication protocols for data exchange between different devices and systems (SAP/PQS MII Manufacturing Integration and Intelligence, MES, OEE, SCADA, Remote Access).
• Basic knowledge of vision system integration and development for validation and defect mapping/detection.
• Integrate various control devices, sensors, actuators, and instrumentation with PID controls into a cohesive automation system using various network protocols: ECAT, EPL, EIP, DeviceNet, CANOpen, and Serial.
• Intermediate knowledge of power distribution, electrical panel layout, High/Low voltage panel separation, and field wiring (up to 180VDC and 480VAC).
• Intermediate level experience with Omron Sysmac Studio, Allen Bradley Studio 5000, and Beckhoff TC3 (desired).
• Desired experience with programming Cobot (collaborative robots) and machine/operator integration.

Testing and Validation:

• Perform thorough testing of control systems to ensure accuracy, reliability, and safety.
• Conduct development simulations and real-world testing to validate the system's performance under different operating conditions
• Validate FAT and SAT testing checklists

Troubleshooting and Maintenance:

• Provide timely support to identify and resolve highly technical issues and malfunctions in the automation and control systems when escalated from maintenance or engineering, and share troubleshooting knowledge

Intermediate abilit