Automation Engineer

Smiths Group; Elmwood Park (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

STS Aerospace, a leading aerospace manufacturer and engineering company, is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead automation projects in a high-mix, precision machining environment. You will drive initiatives to increase machine utilization, reduce labor dependency, improve quality, and support lights-out machining.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in CNC machine automation, robotics, controls integration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field.
• 3-5+ years of automation engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 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.

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.

Skills

Automation engineering

Robotics

CNC automation

Continuous improvement

Safety & compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

STS Aerospace is a leading aerospace manufacturing and engineering company specializing in fluid conveyance solutions for commercial aviation, defense, and space applications. The company designs and manufactures high-performance rigid tubing, flexible hose assemblies, and custom-engineered fluid transfer systems used in critical aerospace platforms worldwide. With a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service, STS Aerospace delivers reliable solutions that support the safety and performance of mission-critical aerospace systems.

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.
• 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.