Industrial Controls Engineer – Extrusion

Deckorators®

Buffalo (NY)

On-site

USD 85,000 - 120,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Health savings account

401(k) plan with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

A manufacturing leader in outdoor products is seeking an Automation Engineer for their Buffalo plant. This role involves driving digital transformation and process efficiency through automation systems. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in engineering and 5–10 years of relevant experience. The position offers a salary range of $85,000 to $120,000 annually, along with comprehensive benefits including medical and 401(k).

Qualifications

5–10 years of experience in automation, controls engineering, or process optimization.
Proven ability to design, program, and troubleshoot Rockwell systems.
Experience deploying MES or plant-level integration platforms.

Responsibilities

Design and implement Industry 4.0 initiatives.
Develop, test, and deploy Manufacturing Execution Systems.
Integrate process equipment with plant-wide systems.

Skills

Automation

Controls Engineering

Process Optimization

Electrical Troubleshooting

Mechanical Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Controls, or Computer Engineering

Tools

Rockwell FactoryTalk View ME & SE

Allen‑Bradley PLCs

Python

Java

Ignition

Job description

Deckorators, a brand of UFP Industries, is a leader in composite decking, railing, and outdoor living products. Our Buffalo, New York plant is the newest and flagship location utilizing our proven and growing Surestone technology. This state‑of‑the‑art extrusion and polymer manufacturing facility serves as a center of excellence for innovation, quality, and process automation across our network.

Base pay range

$85,000.00/yr - $120,000.00/yr

Job Summary

The Automation Engineer will lead the implementation, integration, and support of automation and data systems at the Buffalo plant. This role focuses on driving process efficiency, system connectivity, and digital transformation within our extrusion and polymer operations. The Automation Engineer will collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, and IT to deliver smart, connected manufacturing solutions that enhance production reliability, safety, and quality.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Design, implement, and support Industry 4.0 initiatives, including data acquisition and system integration.
Develop, test, and deploy Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Digital Quality Systems (QMS), and other digital tools to enhance visibility and control on the production floor.
Design, develop, document, program, debug, and maintain automation PLC/HMI/SCADA/MES software.
Lead or support automation projects involving extrusion line instrumentation and automated material handling systems.
Integrate process equipment with plant‑wide systems to enable real‑time performance tracking and predictive maintenance.
Partner with process and quality engineers to develop and deploy AI‑driven and machine learning solutions for quality improvement and process optimization.
Manage all project phases: Needs Definition, Design/Build, and Installation/Startup, ensuring proper documentation and hand‑off.
Support troubleshooting, upgrades, and optimization of existing automation systems to minimize downtime and improve OEE.
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure automation systems meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
Provide technical guidance and training to maintenance and operations personnel.
Stay current on emerging technologies and recommend future automation opportunities to maintain plant competitiveness.

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Controls, or Computer Engineering (or related field).
5–10 years of experience in automation, controls engineering, or process optimization within manufacturing; extrusion or polymer experience preferred.
Proven ability to design, program, and troubleshoot Rockwell FactoryTalk View ME & SE systems and Allen‑Bradley PLCs (MicroLogix, CompactLogix, ControlLogix).
Ability to validate and condition PLC/MES data to support process analysis and improvement.
Experience deploying MES or plant‑level integration platforms such as Ignition; ERP interfacing preferred.
Working knowledge of Python, Java, or other programming languages a strong plus.
Strong understanding of manufacturing data systems, sensors, and connectivity (OPC, SQL, Ethernet/IP).
Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
Knowledge of VFDs, servos, and common system interfaces (CIP, Fieldbus).
Proficiency in managing multiple automation projects from concept through commissioning.
Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
Highly organized with demonstrated project management capability and attention to detail.

Required Experience

5–10 years of control system programming experience across multiple platforms (Allen‑Bradley, Red Lion, Siemens, Schneider).
5–10 years of HMI/SCADA design experience (Ignition Perspective, FactoryTalk View, Crimson).
Knowledge of common industrial networks (EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet).
Based full‑time at the Buffalo, NY flagship plant.
Limited travel to other Deckorators facilities may be required (up to 20%).
Opportunity to help shape automation standards and digital transformation strategy for the Surestone platform across the organization.

Salary Pay Range

$85,000 - $120,000 annually dependent on experience*

*pay range may be adjusted depending on cost of living

Bonus/Incentive Pay

Annual performance bonus opportunity based on Company and specific business unit ROI and PBOP achievement criteria and individual job responsibility and performance.

Benefits currently offered to our employees