Automation Engineer

Socket.dev; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking an Automation Engineer to support the setup, transfer, optimization, and maintenance of automation and related equipment in manufacturing operations. You will collaborate with production, engineering, and supplier teams to ensure reliable equipment performance, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement.

Your work includes equipment validation, training for manufacturing staff, and contributing to UPH improvements and TPM initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in automation, electrical, mechanical engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in equipment engineering or automation management in manufacturing.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in mechanical, electrical, and PLC-controlled systems.
• Experience with equipment setup, validation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with root cause analysis and process optimization.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and management.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects and maintain documentation.

Responsibilities

• Support equipment transfers and ensure smooth operation prior to trial production.
• Review design plans for new automation equipment with internal teams and suppliers; ensure documentation.
• Evaluate and accept new automation equipment for safety, operability, stability, and maintainability.
• Compile and maintain manuals and preventive maintenance records.
• Analyze equipment issues and implement corrective solutions to keep production stable.
• Provide technical support for complex equipment issues beyond production teams.
• Facilitate training for ME staff on equipment operation and maintenance; monitor effectiveness.
• Assist with troubleshooting non-automation equipment, including PLC adjustments.
• Collaborate with PIE teams to improve UPH and equipment efficiency.
• Conduct audits on equipment project standards for compliance and quality.
• Support TPM training to reduce downtime.
• Adapt responsibilities based on production needs and workload.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Electrical systems

PLC programming

Equipment setup

Process optimization

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Job Summary

The Automation Engineer is responsible for supporting the setup, transfer, optimization, and maintenance of automation and non-automation equipment used in manufacturing operations. This role works closely with production, engineering, and supplier teams to ensure reliable equipment performance, troubleshoot technical issues, and support continuous improvement initiatives. The Automation Engineer plays a key role in improving equipment efficiency, supporting equipment validation, and providing technical training to manufacturing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Support equipment transfers and ensure smooth equipment operation prior to trial production.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external suppliers to review design plans for new automation equipment, ensuring feasibility, compatibility, and proper documentation for materials and layouts.
• Evaluate, verify, and accept new automation equipment, assessing safety, operability, stability, and maintainability.
• Compile and organize operating and maintenance manuals for new equipment and maintain internal records for preventive maintenance schedules.
• Analyze equipment issues and implement corrective solutions to ensure stable production operations.
• Provide technical support for complex equipment issues beyond the resolution capability of production teams.
• Facilitate training for manufacturing engineering (ME) staff on equipment operation, maintenance, and repair, and monitor training effectiveness.
• Assist with troubleshooting and optimization of non-automation equipment, including signal transmission issues and PLC programming adjustments.
• Collaborate with Process/Industrial Engineering (PIE) teams to improve UPH (Units Per Hour) and enhance equipment efficiency.
• Conduct audits related to equipment project standards, focusing on completion rates, compliance, and quality requirements.
• Support training initiatives for technicians, operators, and quality personnel on Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles to reduce equipment downtime.
• Adapt work responsibilities as needed based on production requirements, equipment changes, and workload distribution.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in equipment engineering or automation management within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong troubleshooting skills in mechanical, electrical, and PLC-controlled systems.
• Experience with equipment setup, validation, and continuous improvement activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience in root cause analysis and process optimization.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and management.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and maintain documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using CAD or equipment layout design software.
• Familiarity with quality standards and safety regulations in manufacturing environments.
• Experience working in electronics manufacturing or high-volume production environments.

Key Competencies

• Strong troubleshooting and technical problem-solving skills.
  
• Ability to analyze equipment performance and implement improvements.
  
• Cross-functional collaboration with engineering, production, and supplier teams.
  
• Strong communication and training skills.
  
• Continuous improvement mindset.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is performed in a manufacturing environment with exposure to production equipment and automation systems. The role may require standing for extended periods, handling tools or equipment components, and interacting with automated machinery. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required when working in designated production areas.

Disclaimer

The above statements describe the general nature of the work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications associated with the job.

Salcomp Manufacturing USA Corp. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.

A Shift (6:00 AM - 2:30 PM) or B Shift (2:00 PM - 10:00 PM)