Automation & Controls Engineer II

Hunter Douglas; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter Douglas is seeking an automation engineer to design, develop, and implement advanced automated systems for NA plants. You will lead cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, define requirements, and ensure seamless integration of equipment and controls into new processes.

Responsibilities include programming PLCs/robots, validating performance, supporting startups, and driving continuous improvement from concept to handover while meeting safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Experience designing automation control systems across manufacturing.
• Proficient with IEC61131-3, PLC/DCS/SCADA and HMI development.
• Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams to meet project goals.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, IT to execute automation projects.
• Design advanced control systems aligned with standards and customer needs.
• Create project specs with cost savings, RFQ, timeline, resources.
• Train plant personnel on automation technologies.
• Validate FAT/SAT and manage third-party integrators.
• Develop and test control logic using IEC61131-3 and HDNA standards.
• Develop HMI programs for alarms, recipes, user login.
• Integrate sensors, actuators, and devices with various networks.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA systems

DCS

IEC61131-3

Robotics integration

Motion control

Safety PLC

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Keyence vision system

Omron Sysmac Studio

Beckhoff TC3

Tools

Omron Sysmac Studio

Beckhoff TC3

Allen-Bradley Studio 5000

Keyence vision system

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.

Position Overview

The position is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing advanced 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 lead the identification of automation opportunities, define technical requirements, and ensure seamless integration of equipment and controls into new processes or production lines. Key responsibilities 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. Advanced 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 advanced 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 complete project specifications that include cost savings, capex, RFQ, timeline, and resource requirements to define a clear scope and transparency of projects.
• Advanced 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 and leadership 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.
• Intermediate level motion control schemes (Coordinated motion, Virtual masters) and Safety PLC system integration (servo safety functionality: SOS, SLS).
• Develop HMI (Human Machine Interface) programs for comprehensive machine interactions (alarms, machine state, recipe selection/edit, user login, and security).
• Intermediate-advanced knowledge of communication protocols for data exchange between different devices and systems (SAP/PQS MII Manufacturing Integration and Intelligence, MES, OEE, SCADA, Remote Access).
• Intermediate knowledge of Keyence 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-advanced knowledge of power distribution, electrical panel layout, High/Low voltage panel separation, and field wiring (up to 180VDC and 480VAC).
• Intermediate-advanced level experience with Omron Sysmac Studio and Allen Bradley Studio 5000
• Desired experience with Beckhoff TC3
• Desired experience with programming Cobot (collaborative robots) and machine/operator integration.

Testing and Validation:

• Develop and perform thorough testing protocols 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
• Support development of FAT and SAT validation 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,