Automation Engineer

OPW Global; Elon (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

OPW Global is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, program, integrate, and support automated assembly and testing equipment. You will work cross-functionally with manufacturing engineering, maintenance, quality, and production teams to move automation projects from concept through commissioning and provide ongoing production support.

The role requires hands-on PLC and robotics experience, HMI development, vision system integration, and a strong focus on safety and quality in a high-volume

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience programming industrial robots and integrating them into automated systems.
• Working knowledge of electrical schematics, ladder logic, structured text, and function block programming.
• Understanding of pneumatics, sensors (photo eyes, proximity, encoders), servo/motion control, and machine safety circuits.
• Experience with HMI development platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose mechanical, electrical, and software issues under time pressure.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and P&IDs.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and debug PLC programs for assembly automation equipment.
• Program and integrate industrial robots for pick-and-place and other tasks.
• Develop HMI screens and operator interfaces for machine control.
• Integrate vision systems for part inspection and quality verification.
• Configure and troubleshoot servo motion systems, VFDs, and motor drives.
• Collaborate with design engineers to ensure controls feasibility.
• Develop technical specifications for new automation equipment.
• Lead vendor evaluation and project management from kickoff to FAT/SAT.
• Provide technical support for installed equipment and root-cause analysis.
• Identify and implement improvements to increase uptime and OEE.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial robots

HMI development

Schematic reading

Troubleshooting

Pneumatics

Sensors & encoders

Motion control

Reading drawings

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

FANUC programming

Universal Robots

EtherNet/IP

Profinet

Keyence Vision

3D CAD (Inventor/SolidWorks)

Job description

The Automation Engineer will be responsible for the design, programming, integration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated assembly and testing equipment, including PLC-controlled machinery, robotic work cells, and associated controls hardware. This role will work cross-functionally with manufacturing engineering, maintenance, quality, and production teams to bring automated systems from concept through commissioning (both in-house and vendor) and provide ongoing production support. We are looking for individuals who have knowledge or experience in assembly/testing and automation processes, a keen eye for safety and quality, the ability to solve problems and troubleshoot, and the desire to develop and expand their skills in a production-driven environment. The Automation Engineer will report to the PES Value Stream Manager.

What You'll Do

Controls Design and Programming

• Design, develop, and debug PLC programs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar) for assembly automation equipment
• Program and integrate industrial robots (FANUC, Universal Robots, etc.) for pick-and-place, path planning, material handling, loading/unloading, dispensing, welding, or assembly applications
• Develop HMI screens and operator interfaces for machine control and diagnostics
• Design and implement vision system integration (Keyence or similar) for part inspection, guidance, and quality verification
• Configure and troubleshoot servo motion control systems, VFDs, and motor drives
• Collaborate with mechanical and electrical design engineers during the concept and design phases to ensure controls feasibility
• Develop detailed technical specifications (URS/equipment specs) for new automation equipment, including PLC, robotics, and vision system requirements
• Research and evaluate automation equipment vendors, integrators, and component suppliers based on technical fit, cost, lead time, and reliability
• Solicit and review vendor quotes and proposals; lead technical evaluation and vendor selection process
• Manage vendor-built automation projects from kickoff through FAT/SAT and installation, including schedule tracking, budget oversight, and change order management
• Review vendor-supplied design packages, electrical schematics, and controls documentation for compliance with internal standards and specifications
• Act as primary technical point of contact and lead design reviews, progress meetings, and FAT/SAT activities with external vendors and integrators
• Ensure vendor equipment meets safety, quality, and performance requirements prior to acceptance and handoff to production
• Provide technical support for installed equipment, including root cause analysis and corrective action for downtime events
• Identify and implement improvements to improve machine uptime, cycle time, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
• Support preventive maintenance programs and develop troubleshooting documentation for maintenance and production staff
• Analyze production data and machine performance to identify optimization opportunities
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and controls subsystems into functioning automated work cells

Documentation & Compliance

• Create and maintain electrical schematics, I/O lists, controls architecture diagrams, and program documentation that complies with all applicable safety standards
• Participate in risk assessments and safety validation for automated equipment
• Maintain version control and backups of PLC, HMI, and robot programs

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs in an industrial/manufacturing environment
• Hands-on experience programming industrial robots and integrating them into automated systems
• Working knowledge of electrical schematics, ladder logic, structured text, and function block programming
• Understanding of pneumatics, sensors (photo eyes, proximity, encoders), servo/motion control, and machine safety circuits
• Experience with HMI development platforms
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose mechanical, electrical, and software issues under time pressure
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and P&IDs
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

The Ideal Candidate Will Also Bring

• Experience with FANUC and Universal Robots programming/certification
• Familiarity with machine vision systems (Keyence or similar)
• Experience with industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet, Modbus TCP)
• Experience with Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or similar 3D CAD software for reviewing mechanical designs
• Prior experience in high-volume assembly and testing automation, packaging automation, or similar
• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or continuous improvement training