Automation Engineer

Dover Corporation; Elon, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

OPW, a Dover Corporation company, is hiring an Automation Engineer in Elon, NC to design, program, and commission PLC-driven automated assembly and testing equipment. You will work with robotic cells, vision systems, and HMIs to ensure safe, reliable operation and ongoing optimization.

You will collaborate with mechanical and electrical teams, manage vendor interactions, and support continuous improvement programs to raise equipment effectiveness and uptime.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in industrial PLC programming and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with robots and integrating them into automated systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and debug PLCs for assembly automation equipment.
• Program and integrate robotic cells for pick-and-place and other tasks.
• Develop HMI screens and operator interfaces for machine control.
• Design vision system integration for part inspection and quality
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and software issues to minimize downtime.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial robots

HMI development

Vision systems

Electrical schematics

Pneumatics

Motion control

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics or related

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

SolidWorks

Job description

## Automation EngineerApplyremote type: Onsitelocations: Elon, North Carolina, USAtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Yesterdayjob requisition id: JR100856Since 1892, OPW customers have been able to count on us to revolutionize fluid-handling operations around the world. As a global leader in fluid-handling solutions, the mission of OPW is to be a developer of a comprehensive array of innovative fluid-handling solutions that our customers can consistently and reliably count on. These include loading and unloading systems for high-value hazardous and non-hazardous bulk products; railcar and transport tank-truck valves, gauging devices and tank-monitoring systems; automated storage-terminal controls and systems; and regulators, fittings, valves, vaporizers, vacuum-jacketed piping and gas-handling systems for the safe handling and distribution of cryogenics and industrial gases. OPW has more than 2,000 employees with manufacturing operations in North America, Europe and China, and sales offices around the world. OPW is part of the Clean Energy & Fueling segment of Dover (NYSE: DOV). 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 **Equipment Specification & Vendor Management*** 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 **Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement*** 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 #LI-GP1This position is eligible to earn a discretionary bonus based on performance metrics and other criteria outlined in our applicable bonus plan.We consider several job-related, non-discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position’s responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, a candidate’s education/training, the position’s location, and the key skills needed for the position. Pay is one of the Total Rewards that we provide to compensate and recognize employees for their work.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.Fraudulent Recruiting Disclaimer: Dover Corporation and our affiliated operating companies want to alert applicants to internet job posting fraud, where parties posing as Dover employees, recruiters, or other agents, try to engage with online candidates in an attempt to steal personal and/or financial information. We do not endorse or engage in any recruitment practices that involve payment or personal information outside of our official application and hiring process. Please verify the authenticity of an invitation to apply for a job, or for a job offer by contacting us directly through our Dover and affiliated operating company websites at https://careers.dovercorporation.com/. To learn how you can protect yourself, review our Recruitment Fraud Notice on our careers site.Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact [e-mail] for assistance with an accommodation. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response.