Automation Engineer

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.; Hilliard (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Welfare Benefits

Financial Benefits (401k, stock plan)

Job summary

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, deploy, and optimize automated systems across our manufacturing network. The role focuses on delivering measurable operational improvements through disciplined project management and system integration.

The ideal candidate will lead capital projects, collaborate with maintenance and IT teams, and drive continuous improvement in safety, efficiency, and reliability. Travel to ADS facilities will be required.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and problem solving abilities.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations and supply chain processes.
• Robotic automation experience (Fanuc preferred).
• PLC/HMI knowledge (Allen‑Bradley preferred).
• Working knowledge of machine safety and ergonomics.

Responsibilities

• Manage automation projects to ensure delivery dates, scope, and financial targets are met.
• Develop business cases for new capital projects.
• Lead capital projects using sound project management processes and principles.
• Facilitate training for plant personnel to support new technologies.
• Support plant integration projects and provide post-implementation assistance.
• Work closely with maintenance teams to ensure smooth, continuous operations.
• Manage internal, external, direct, and indirect project team resources.
• Communicate effectively at all organizational levels; strong presentation skills required.
• Manage multiple complex, multi-faceted projects simultaneously.
• Align teams to defined project charters, goals, and metrics.
• Apply systematic problem-solving tools to resolve technical challenges.
• Manage capital equipment suppliers and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Coordinate stakeholder alignment across departments.
• Partner with IT and plant teams to implement system upgrades aligned with future manufacturing vision

Skills

Leadership

Analytical abilities

Problem solving

Manufacturing operations knowledge

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Communication skills

Capital project management

Vendor management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Fanuc robotics

PLC/HMI (Allen-Bradley)

Pneumatic systems

Project management tools

Job description

Overview

Advanced Drainage Systems is a leading manufacturer of stormwater and onsite septic wastewater solutions, committed to sustainability and innovation. With a vast manufacturing and distribution network, we deliver high-quality products across multiple industries while recycling over half a billion pounds of plastic annually. At ADS, we foster a culture where diverse perspectives drive better ideas, ensuring every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to make an impact.

Responsibilities

Summary:

The Automation Engineer supports all aspects of ADS automation and control systems development, integration, and implementation. This role leverages a strong technical background to design, deploy, and optimize automated systems that deliver measurable operational results. Through disciplined project management, the Automation Engineer ensures systems meet evolving process and business requirements while leading and tracking capital projects that drive automation initiatives across the ADS network.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Manage automation projects to ensure delivery dates, scope, and financial targets are met.
• Develop business cases for new capital projects.
• Lead capital projects using sound project management processes and principles.
• Facilitate training for plant personnel to support new technologies.
• Support plant integration projects and provide post‑implementation assistance.
• Work closely with maintenance teams to ensure smooth, continuous operations.
• Manage internal, external, direct, and indirect project team resources.

• Communicate effectively at all organizational levels; strong presentation skills required.
• Manage multiple complex, multi‑faceted projects simultaneously.
• Align teams to defined project charters, goals, and metrics.
• Apply systematic problem‑solving tools to resolve technical challenges.
• Manage capital equipment suppliers and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Coordinate stakeholder alignment across departments.
• Partner with IT and plant teams to implement system upgrades aligned with future manufacturing vision

This position should possess the following skills/knowledge:

• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations and supply chain processes.
• Robotic automation experience (Fanuc preferred).
• PLC/HMI knowledge (Allen‑Bradley preferred).
• Working knowledge of machine safety and ergonomics.

• Basic mechanical design capability.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Capital project and supplier management experience.
• Experience with pneumatic systems.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma process control.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelors’ Degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Preferred Experience:

• 6+ years of manufacturing and operations experience
• Experience in capital project development and execution
• Vendor and supplier management experience

• Experience mentoring and developing team members or project managers
• Project management of large capital initiatives
• Researching and developing new manufacturing processes

Other Requirements

• Ability to travel approximately 30% to support project implementation, commissioning activities, vendor management, and plant operations.
• Travel is primarily domestic, with occasional international travel as business needs require.

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Company Benefits:

Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical and prescription drug plans, telemedicine (with medical plan), High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and Health Savings Account (HSA), dental and vision plans, virtual physical therapy*, an employee assistance program (EAP)*, and voluntary accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnification programs.

Financial Benefits: Retirement 401k program with company match, an employee stock purchase plan (voluntary), financial wellness planning*, paid parental leave*, flexible spending accounts (FSA) for child care and health care, short-term and long-term disability*, basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D)*, adoption financial reimbursement*, tuition reimbursement*, voluntary life insurance (for employees, spouses, and children), and voluntary identity theft and fraud protection.

*100% paid by ADS.

Why Join ADS?

Growth Opportunities & Global Presence: With a global network of approximately 70 manufacturing plants and 40 distribution centers, ADS offers extensive opportunities for career growth and development in various locations around the world.

Inclusive and Creative Work Culture: ADS fosters a culture of passion, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering employees to shape industry-leading solutions. We value diverse perspectives, recognizing that they drive better ideas, processes, and performance. Our workplace is built on respect, inclusivity, and shared responsibility, ensuring every team member feels valued and contributes to our collective success.

Innovative & Sustainability Focused: Advanced Drainage Systems is one of the largest plastic recyclers in North America, ensuring over half a billion pounds of plastic is kept out of landfills every year.

Learn More: https://www.adspipe.com/about-us

EEO Statement

ADS supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience, and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. ADS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.