Automation Engineer

Vesuvius North America

Huntington (WV)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 120,000

Full time

12 days ago

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Job summary

Vesuvius North America is seeking an Automation Engineer in Huntington, WV to lead PLC programming, robotics integration, and automation system maintenance. You will design, program, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA, while improving reliability and reducing downtime across automated lines and material handling systems.

You will also drive safety, standardization, and Lean-aligned improvements, supporting CAPEX projects, RCFA, and CMMS documentation with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

3–5+ years’ experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, and system integration.
Bachelor’s degree in electrical/mechanical/mechatronics/automation engineering or equivalent.
Automation/PLC certifications preferred; experience in manufacturing environment a plus.

Responsibilities

Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens preferred).
Develop and maintain control logic, sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and safety functions.
Lead automation design and integration for robotics, AGV/EGV systems, and vision systems.
Maintain PMs and CMMS records; support RCFA for automation failures.
CAPEX projects support and installation, commissioning, validation.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI/SCADA development

Robotics & AGV/EGV systems

CMMS usage

Electrical schematics & panel design

CAD tools

Structured problem solving

Strong communication

Independence & prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics/Automation Engineering

Tools

CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD Electrical)

VFDs and servo drives

Job description

Position Purpose

The Automation Engineer is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all automation, PLC, robotic, and material handling systems within the plant. The role provides hands‑on technical leadership in PLC programming, robotics, AGV/EGV systems, and industrial automation, directly supporting maintenance reliability, reduction of unplanned downtime, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Organizational Alignment

Reports functionally and operationally to the Maintenance Manager
Works closely with:
- Maintenance Technicians and PLC Technician
- Production and Engineering teams
- External integrators, OEMs, and service providers
Supports plant-level CAPEX, reliability, safety, and Lean transformation initiatives

Key Responsibilities

Automation, PLC & Control Systems

Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens preferred).
Develop and maintain control logic, sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and safety functions.
Ensure optimal performance and availability of:
- Automated production lines
- Robotic systems
- AGV / EGV and automated material handling systems
- Lead advanced troubleshooting of automation-related failures to minimize downtime.
- Maintain version control, backups, and change management for all automation programs.

Robotics & Automation Design

Support or lead robot design, integration, and modification, including end‑of‑arm tooling and safety interfaces.
Maintain and optimise motion control, servo systems, drives, and vision systems.
Identify opportunities to replace manual processes with automation to improve safety, quality, and productivity.

Maintenance, Reliability & Execution

Support the development and execution of Preventive Maintenance (PM) plans for automation, PLCs, robotics, and AGV/EGV systems.
Define automation-specific PM tasks, frequencies, spare parts, and technical standards in CMMS.
Actively support breakdown response and emergency troubleshooting.
Participate in and technically lead RCFA for automation‑related failures.
Contribute to improvement of MTBF, MTTF, OEE, and reduction of unplanned downtime.

CAPEX, Projects & Continuous Improvement

Support or lead automation‑related CAPEX projects, including:
- Scope definition
- Technical evaluation
- Installation, commissioning, and validation
Support FAT/SAT activities and contractor supervision.
Identify and implement automation and Industry 4.0 opportunities aligned with Lean principles.
Standardize automation hardware, software, and design approaches across the plant.

Safety, Compliance & Standards

Ensure all automation systems comply with:
- OSHA regulations
- Vesuvius Group standards
- Electrical and machine safety requirements
Support LTT, machine guarding, and safety PLC implementations.
Participate in audits, SCARs, and corrective actions related to automation and controls.
Design and maintain systems with safety by design principles.

Documentation, CMMS & Knowledge Transfer

Create and maintain:
- Electrical schematics
- Control narratives
- SOPs and technical documentation
Ensure automation assets, BOMs, spare parts, and documentation are properly maintained in CMMS.
Train and coach Maintenance Technicians, PLC Technician, and operators on automated systems.
Support cross‑training to reduce single‑point technical dependency.

Key Result Areas (KRAs)

Automation Reliability: Reduction of automation‑related downtime and recurring failures.
Maintenance Effectiveness: Quality PM execution and improved asset reliability metrics.
Safety & Compliance: Zero serious safety incidents related to automation systems.
Operational Performance: Improved productivity, data accuracy, and process stability.
Capability Building: Increased automation and PLC competency within maintenance teams.

Education & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or equivalent experience.
3–5+ years’ experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, and system integration.
Automation / PLC certifications preferred.
Experience in a manufacturing and/or unionized environment preferred.

Technical Skills & Experience