Automation Engineer

Serac; Illinois; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Serac in Carol Stream, IL is hiring an Automation Engineer to lead the design and execution of automation projects in a fast-paced discrete manufacturing environment. You own the project from concept through industrialization, working with advanced control systems and emerging applications like e-beam and laser.

This hands-on engineering leadership role requires coordinating internal and external engineers to deliver fully integrated mechatronic solutions and ensuring projects meet budget and

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent, or 10+ years in automation.
• Experience leading automation projects and teams.
• Proficient in B&R PLCs, Automation Studio and Structured Text.

Responsibilities

• Lead hardware selection and control software for machines and systems.
• Direct engineers to deliver integrated mechatronic solutions.
• Plan and manage automation projects within budget and milestones.
• Perform functional and risk analyses with clear technical documentation.
• Evaluate Industry 4.0 concepts, machine intelligence and AI.
• Conduct prototype testing, field trials and customer-site validation.
• Support on-site installations — domestic & international travel as required.

Skills

BR PLC & Automation Studio

Structured Text

C++ / .NET

Machine safety

Risk assessment

Travel for installations

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SmarTeam

QAD ERP/MRP

Job description

No Sponsorship Available | Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Onsite — Carol Stream, IL | Out-of-state candidates must be willing to relocate

We're hiring an Automation Engineer to lead the design and execution of automation projects in a fast-paced discrete manufacturing environment — from individual machine modules all the way to fully integrated production lines.

This is a hands-on engineering leadership role where YOU own the project from concept through industrialization, working with advanced B&R control systems, motion technology, and emerging applications like e-beam and laser.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Lead hardware selection & develop control software for machines, modules, and integrated systems
• Direct internal & external engineers to deliver fully integrated mechatronic solutions
• Plan and manage automation projects within budget and milestones
• Perform functional and risk analyses; produce clear technical documentation
• Evaluate and apply Industry 4.0, machine intelligence, and AI concepts
• Conduct prototype testing, field trials, and customer-site validation
• Support on-site installations — domestic & international travel as required

What We're Looking For:

• B&R PLC & Automation Studio proficiency — Structured Text required (C++/.NET a plus)
• Machine safety knowledge — ISO 13849, IEC 60204, NFPA 79
• Risk assessment experience — SISTEMA & Rockwell Safety Automation Builder
• Troubleshooting: PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, SCADA, process instrumentation & 480VAC systems
• Familiarity with PLM (SmarTeam) & ERP/MRP (QAD) platforms
• BS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent — OR 10+ years of industrial automation experience

Onsite — Carol Stream, IL (Relocation required for out-of-state candidates)