Automation Engineer

Actalent; Kentucky; On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Kentucky is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, specify, and validate automation solutions for injection molding and assembly in a consumer products environment. You will collaborate with Sales, Engineering, and Operations to define requirements, quote equipment, oversee vendor run-offs, and drive continuous improvement across molding processes.

The role requires a BS in engineering, 5+ years in plastics automation, and strong CAD/PLC/robotics skills, with a focus on quality

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• Experience in plastics manufacturing and automation design.
• Experience with automation and assembly system validations.
• Strong documentation and project coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, and Operations to define and quote automation solutions.
• Create User Requirements and automation RFQ packages for new cells.
• Specify automation design approaches, materials, components, and controls.
• Review and approve automation designs before system build.
• Conduct vendor machine run-offs and support validations.
• Lead or support maintenance and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to meet cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Apply DOE and risk management practices across molding and assembly projects.

Skills

Team collaboration

Project management

Detail-oriented

Problem solving

Communication skills

Manufacturing automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

PLC programming

Robotics systems

Job description

Job Description

Automation Engineer

The Automation Engineer plays a key role in designing, specifying, and validating automation solutions for complex injection molding and assembly operations in a consumer products environment. This position collaborates closely with Sales, Engineering, and Operations to define automation requirements, quote and justify new equipment, and ensure that automated systems meet internal and external customer expectations for quality, capacity, safety, and overall equipment effectiveness. The role includes specifying automation designs and controls, overseeing vendor machine run-offs, supporting validations, and driving continuous improvement across molding and assembly processes.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, and Operations to define and quote automation solutions that meet internal and external customer expectations, including machine requirements, assembly rates, and manning requirements for quoting purposes.
• Create and issue User Requirement Specifications and automation requests for quotes for new assembly cells, utilizing an approved vendor list and driving achievement of agreed deliverables for molding and assembly projects.
• Specify general automation design approaches, including materials, components, and controls, to deliver robust solutions that meet customer quality and capacity expectations while aligning with plant objectives for OEE, quality, and safety.
• Review and approve automation designs prior to the start of system build, ensuring compliance with requirements, standards, and best practices.
• Conduct machine run-offs at vendor facilities to verify quality, function, and performance against specifications, and ensure readiness for production deployment.
• Support Operations teams as a technical subject matter expert in the execution of projects, including creation of project plans, schedules, budgets, and task lists, in accordance with documented procedures.
• Ensure projects meet delivery, quality, safety, and cost objectives through effective coordination with cross-functional manufacturing and project teams.
• Collaborate proactively with plant operations, quality, and technical team members on continuous improvement initiatives, including design of experiments (DOE) and other data-driven processes to support decision making.
• Support mold and assembly automation validations through successful completion, including customer approvals, and write capital requests while assuring validation of equipment and processes where required.
• Lead or participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and risk management activities both internally and with external partners.
• Lead and coordinate ongoing maintenance efforts for automation systems, including retroactive and preventative maintenance, while utilizing the company IQS database to establish and maintain machine records for each event.
• Support other technical activities and projects within the facility as requested by the Director of Engineering, contributing engineering expertise where needed.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of the organization and with outside parties, including customers and suppliers.
• Maintain professional competence, knowledge, and skills necessary for the satisfactory performance of all assigned responsibilities, staying current with relevant technologies and best practices.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, automation engineering, or a related field.
• At least five years of experience in plastics manufacturing and injection molding environments.
• Minimum five years of experience in automation design, build, and related processes.
• Experience in project management, including installation and operational validations for automation and assembly systems.
• Extensive knowledge of automation design and construction techniques for molding and assembly applications.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools, with SolidWorks strongly preferred.
• Basic CAD skills, including AutoCAD, for mechanical and layout design work.
• Experience with PLC programming and robotics in automated manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency in program and project management tools, including charts, timelines, change control, and budget management.
• Strong organizational and planning capabilities with proven problem-prevention and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines on complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to achieve results and meet commitments by working with and th