Automation Engineer

Victaulic Company; Easton (Northampton County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Victaulic seeks an Automation Engineer in Easton, PA to design, build, and maintain control, automation, and data acquisition systems for lab testing and prototype development.

You will collaborate with design and operations teams, manage equipment builds from concept to commissioning, and ensure safety and quality standards while driving continuous improvement in the lab environment.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of controls or automation experience.
• Proficiency in maintaining and troubleshooting automation equipment.
• PLC programming experience (ladder, structured text, function block diagram).
• Experience with motion control systems (stepper, servo, VFDs), drive configuration, encoder feedback, and motion profiles.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain lab data systems so test data is organized and accessible.
• Plan and execute equipment builds from concept through commissioning.
• Troubleshoot and modify control, automation, and data acquisition systems to keep testing on schedule.
• Develop and maintain PLC and HMI programs for lab automation.
• Design and troubleshoot servo, stepper, and VFD motion control systems for lab test equipment.
• Configure electrical panels and enclosures per safety standards.
• Support hands‑on testing with instrumentation and data loggers.

Skills

Automation experience

PLC programming

Motion control

Equipment projects

Lean improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

EtherCAT

PROFINET

Modbus TCP

OPC-UA

Job description

Automation Engineer

Easton, PA - Engineering Laboratory
Full-Time
Engineering - Research & Development Laboratory
No immigration sponsorship available

About Victaulic

Victaulic, headquartered in Easton, Pennsylvania, is the global leader in mechanical pipe joining solutions, delivering advanced technologies and engineering services to address complex piping challenges faced by engineers, site owners and contractors. Since 1919, our innovative solutions have improved construction productivity and reduced risks, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget. With over 6,000 employees spanning 50+ locations worldwide, our teams are dedicated to delivering advanced technologies and engineering expertise that address real-world challenges across a wide range of industries.

Our sustainable solutions, made from high quality, graded scrap steel, promote circular construction by making piping systems infinitely reconfigured and minimizing environmental impact. Today, our high-quality products are used in more than 140 countries, supporting some of the world's most critical and prestigious structures.

An Industry Leader With a Heart as Big as Its Ambition and Innovation

At Victaulic, we're committed to constructing a better world for and with our people.

Let's Build a Better World Together.

Our commitment to our people is built on four pillars:

• We build from within.
• We stand behind our people.
• We foster an environment for constant learning.
• We engineer change for a more stable and sustainable world.

Your Impact Starts Here

We're looking for an Automation Engineer to join our Engineering Laboratory team in Easton, PA, reporting to the Engineering Lab Technical Lead - Automation. In this role, you'll design, build, and maintain the control, automation, and data acquisition systems used to test and evaluate components and prototypes for new product and process introductions. You'll work closely with design engineers, operations engineers, purchasers, and other internal partners to keep projects on schedule and make sure every standard and requirement is met during prototype development. This is an opportunity to apply creative problem-solving early in the product lifecycle, when prototype specifications are often still taking shape, and to own equipment projects from concept through commissioning.

What You'll Build & Own

• Design, maintain, and improve lab data systems so test data is organized, accessible, and delivered efficiently to the Victaulic Engineering Department
• Plan and execute equipment builds from concept through commissioning, including scope, schedule, purchasing, and vendor coordination
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and modify existing control, automation, and data acquisition systems to keep testing on schedule
• Develop and maintain PLC and HMI programs that support lab automation systems
• Design, commission, and troubleshoot servo, stepper, and VFD motion control systems for lab test equipment
• Design, build, and wire electrical control panels and enclosures for lab test systems and automation projects, adhering to applicable electrical safety standards
• Configure and troubleshoot industrial communications protocols, including EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, and OPC-UA
• Maintain version control and change management for control system code and configuration files, and create a standardized documentation package for each piece of lab equipment and data collection system
• Maintain asset inventory, configuration records, and test data, and verify that instrumentation remains NIST-traceable and compliant with ISO requirements
• Support hands‑on testing, including installing instrumentation and data loggers, setting up fixtures, operating hydrostatic, pneumatic, cycle, flex, and fire suppression tests, and inspecting products and components against engineering specifications and drawings
• Use lab fabrication and shop equipment to prepare fixtures, components, and test materials
• Manage assigned work orders and priorities, estimating and logging hours and maintaining accurate project status in Monday.com
• Drive continuous improvement in the lab using Lean principles, and keep the work area organized, professional, and clean
• Follow all company safety requirements and procedures, and participate in testing safety reviews
• Work independently with minimal oversight, owning the quality, timeliness, and results of all assigned work

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering preferred
• 4+ years of controls or automation experience
• Proficiency in maintaining and troubleshooting automation equipment
• PLC programming experience (ladder, structured text, function block diagram)
• Experience with motion control systems (stepper, servo, VFDs), including drive configuration, encoder feedback, and motion profiles (gearing, camming)
• Experience managing equipment projects from design through commissioning
• Proficiency in blueprint reading, shop math, and use of pr