Automation Engineer

Flex Tek; Elmwood Park (NJ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths Group plc in New Jersey is seeking an Automation Engineer to develop, implement, and support automation initiatives in a high-mix, precision machining environment. The role leads automation projects to increase machine utilization, reduce labor, improve quality, and support lights-out machining.

The ideal candidate will have expertise in CNC automation, robotics, controls integration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 3–5+ years automation engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Experience supporting CNC machining operations.
• Proven success implementing robotic machine tending projects.
• CAD software proficiency (SolidWorks/AutoCAD/Inventor).

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept through implementation and sustainment.
• Identify and execute automation opportunities that increase machining capacity and reduce costs.
• Develop automation roadmaps for CNC lathes, mills, and handling processes.
• Create project timelines, budgets, risk assessments, and capex requests.
• Design and implement robotic machine tending systems for CNC equipment.
• Program and troubleshoot industrial robots (Fanuc, ABB, UR, KUKA).
• Develop automated loading/unloading solutions for machining cells.
• Integrate automated conveyors, part handling, and palletization.

Skills

CNC knowledge

Robotics experience

Root cause analysis

Safety standards

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

Job Description

The Automation Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and supporting automation initiatives within a high-mix, precision machining environment. This role will lead automation projects focused on increasing machine utilization, reducing labor dependency, improving quality, and supporting the running lights out machining.

The ideal candidate will possess expertise in CNC machine automation, robotics, controls integration, and continuous improvement methodologies. This individual will work closely with Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Production teams to identify automation opportunities and execute projects that improve Safety, Productivity, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SPQDC) performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept through implementation and sustainment.
• Identify and execute automation opportunities that increase machining capacity and reduce manufacturing costs.
• Develop automation roadmaps for CNC lathes, mills, secondary operations, and material handling processes.
• Create project timelines, budgets, risk assessments, and capital expenditure requests.
• Design and implement robotic machine tending systems for CNC equipment.
• Program and troubleshoot industrial robots (Fanuc, ABB, Universal Robots, KUKA, or similar).
• Develop automated loading and unloading solutions for machining cells.
• Integrate automated conveyors, part handling systems, and palletization solutions.
• Optimize cycle times and maximize spindle utilization.
• Analyze manufacturing processes to identify automation opportunities and eliminate non-value-added activities.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for automation-related issues.
• Provide technical support for existing automated systems.
• Develop preventive maintenance strategies for automation equipment.
• Troubleshoot robotic, electrical, pneumatic, and control system issues.
• Ensure automation systems meet OSHA, ANSI, and company safety standards.
• Perform risk assessments and implement machine safeguarding solutions.
• Develop standard operating procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, and operator training materials.
• Create and maintain process documentation and operating instructions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field. Equivalent combination of education and industry experience may be considered.
• 3-5+ years of automation engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting CNC machining operations preferred.
• Proven success implementing robotic machine tending and manufacturing automation projects.
• CAD software experience (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar).
• CNC machine operation and machining process knowledge.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website Careers - Smiths Group plc