Automation Engineer

SCHOTT AG; Duryea (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Disability coverage (short/long term)

Paid time off

Supplemental benefits

Job summary

SCHOTT North America, Inc. is seeking a seasoned Automation Project Manager to lead planning, execution, and optimization of automation initiatives across manufacturing, quality, logistics, and maintenance.

You will define roadmaps, budgets, timelines, and acceptance criteria, ensuring projects meet quality and safety standards while reducing costs and waste.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 3–5 years of project management experience in manufacturing, maintenance, or industrial engineering environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in industrial automation, control systems, and manufacturing technology implementation.
• Experience with CNC machinery, PLC programming, machine controls, and automated production systems.
• Strong knowledge of Industry 4.0, IT/OT, and digital manufacturing technologies.
• Proficiency with MES, SAP EAM, and production asset management systems.
• Hands-on experience with Siemens and Heidenhain PLC/CNC platforms, Siemens WinCC, Step7, and TIA Portal.
• Familiarity with OPC UA, PROFINET, MODBUS, MTConnect, and MQTT.
• CAD experience in AutoCAD or NX.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and optimization of automation and engineering projects across manufacturing, quality, logistics, and maintenance operations.
• Develop project specifications, roadmaps, budgets, timelines, and acceptance criteria while ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Evaluate, select, implement, and improve automation systems, control technologies, and manufacturing equipment.
• Drive operational excellence by reducing costs, eliminating waste, and improving reliability and performance.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement to boost productivity and process stability.
• Establish engineering standards, maintenance strategies, and performance metrics to improve OEE, MTBF, MTTR.
• Provide technical leadership for automation, PLC, CNC, electrical, and control systems; troubleshoot complex issues.
• Develop preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance programs to maximize equipment availability.
• Evaluate advanced manufacturing tech such as robotics, AI, machine vision, and digital manufacturing.

Skills

Project management

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Automation engineering

Industrial automation

CNC machinery experience

PLC programming

Industry 4.0 & IT/OT

MES / SAP EAM

Siemens WinCC / TIA Portal

CAD software (AutoCAD / NX)

Analytical problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Master's preferred

Tools

Siemens WinCC

TIA Portal

OPC UA / PROFINET / MODBUS

MTConnect / MQTT

AutoCAD / NX

Job description

SCHOTT Advanced Optics is a valuable partner for developing products and customized solutions for applications in optics, astronomy, opto-electronics, augmented reality, life sciences, and research. With a portfolio of over 120 glasses, we master the value chain, from development to finishing and metrology.

Your Contribution

Lead the planning, execution, and optimization of automation and engineering projects across manufacturing, quality, logistics, and maintenance operations

Develop project specifications, roadmaps, budgets, timelines, and acceptance criteria while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards

Evaluate, select, implement, and continuously improve automation systems, control technologies, and manufacturing equipment to support operational objectives

Drive operational excellence initiatives by reducing costs, eliminating waste, improving equipment reliability, and enhancing manufacturing performance

Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve productivity, quality, efficiency, and process stability

Establish and maintain engineering standards, work instructions, maintenance strategies, and performance metrics to improve OEE, MTBF, and MTTR

Serve as the technical expert for automation, PLC, CNC, electrical, and control systems, providing troubleshooting support and sustainable solutions to complex operational issues

Develop and optimize preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance programs to maximize equipment availability and reliability

Lead the evaluation and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies, including robotics, AI, machine vision, sensors, industrial networking, and digital manufacturing solutions

Provide technical leadership, training, and change management while ensuring compliance with safety regulations, machinery standards, environmental requirements, and internal engineering governance practices

• Perform other duties as assigned

Your Profile

• Bachelor's degree [or preferrably Master's degree] in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
• Minimum of 3-5 years of project management experience within manufacturing, maintenance, technical services, or industrial engineering environments
• Demonstrated expertise in industrial automation, control systems, and manufacturing technology implementation
• Experience working with CNC machinery, PLC programming, machine controls, and automated production systems
• Strong knowledge of Industry 4.0, Industrial IT/OT systems, and digital manufacturing technologies
• Proficiency with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), SAP EAM, and production asset management systems
• Hands-on experience with Siemens and Heidenhain PLC/CNC platforms, Siemens WinCC, Step7, and TIA Portal
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols, including OPC UA, PROFINET, MODBUS, MTConnect, and MQTT
• Experience utilizing CAD software such as AutoCAD, NX, or similar engineering design tools
• Strong analytical, project management, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to lead cross-functional automation initiatives; fluent English communication required
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent healthcare benefits including medical, dental and vision
• Short and long term disability
• Paid time off
• Other supplemental benefits available upon election

Please feel free to contact us

You can expect interesting tasks and challenging projects, as well as motivated and friendly teams in fields that influence our future. Do you want to be successful with us? Then, please send us your application: SCHOTT North America, Inc., Human Resources, Kurt Johnson,[phone]

*At SCHOTT, it’s your personality that counts – not your gender, your identity, or origin.

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