Automation Engineer

trak group; Mason (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

TRAK Group in Mason, Ohio, is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to join a growing manufacturing team. The role focuses on PLC programming, robotics, vision systems, and machine controls, with emphasis on improving equipment uptime and product quality.

You will troubleshoot and optimize automated equipment, support Industry 4.0 initiatives, and collaborate with IT, Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to implement practical automation solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field is required.
• 3–7+ years hands-on industrial automation experience in manufacturing.
• Strong experience programming and troubleshooting PLC-controlled equipment.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and optimize PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and vision systems.
• Diagnose and resolve complex automation issues across electrical, controls, software, and mechanical domains.
• Support automated manufacturing equipment and production technologies.
• Develop automation improvements to increase uptime, product quality, and efficiency.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, and IT teams to resolve recurring issues.
• Support integration, testing, and deployment of new automated equipment.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics

Vision systems

Industrial networking

Troubleshooting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Technology

Tools

Siemens PLC (TIA Portal)

Fanuc robotics

Cognex vision

MES

OPC UA

Industrial networking

SQL databases

Job description

Automation Engineer

Setting/Hours: 100% In-Office | M-F 8-5

Join trak group in partnering with a growing client in Mason, Ohio that’s expanding its Manufacturing team.

Website Summary Join trak group in partnering with an established manufacturing client seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to support, troubleshoot, and optimize advanced manufacturing systems. This hands‑on engineering position focuses on PLC programming, industrial robotics, vision systems, and machine controls, while also supporting manufacturing technology, equipment connectivity, and Industry 4.0 initiatives. The ideal candidate brings 3–7+ years of industrial automation experience, strong technical troubleshooting abilities, and a passion for improving manufacturing efficiency through innovative technology. This opportunity is well suited for an engineer who enjoys solving complex automation challenges, implementing new technologies, and collaborating with cross‑functional teams to improve equipment reliability, productivity, and overall manufacturing performance.

Responsibilities

• Industrial Automation & Controls Engineering Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, industrial robotics, and machine vision systems.
• Diagnose and resolve complex automation issues involving electrical, controls, software, and mechanical systems.
• Support automated manufacturing equipment, machine controls, and production technologies.
• Develop and implement automation improvements that increase equipment uptime, product quality, and operational efficiency.
• Troubleshoot PLC-controlled equipment and identify opportunities to improve system reliability.
• Support the integration, testing, and implementation of new automated manufacturing equipment.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering teams to resolve recurring equipment issues.
• Manufacturing Technology & System Integration Support machine integration, equipment connectivity, and manufacturing data collection initiatives.
• Troubleshoot communication issues between production equipment, industrial PCs, servers, and manufacturing systems.
• Assist with industrial networking and communication technologies used in automated production environments.
• Support integration between manufacturing equipment and software systems.
• Partner with IT and Operations teams to improve equipment connectivity and data visibility.
• Identify opportunities to enhance manufacturing processes through automation and digital technologies.
• Continuous Improvement & Industry 4.0 Lead automation initiatives focused on improving productivity, quality, and equipment performance.
• Support Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing initiatives, including equipment connectivity and production data collection.
• Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT teams on process improvements.
• Evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies and recommend practical automation solutions.
• Assist with the deployment and optimization of new production equipment and systems.
• Apply technical troubleshooting and root-cause analysis to improve manufacturing performance.
• Support ongoing modernization of manufacturing automation and technology infrastructure.

Must-Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, Computer Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• 3–7+ years of hands‑on industrial automation experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience programming and troubleshooting PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with industrial robotics, machine controls, or automated manufacturing systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial automation and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex issues involving electrical, controls, software, and mechanical systems.
• Experience supporting automated production equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical, technical troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and IT teams.
• Demonstrated ability to independently learn and apply new technologies.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a cross-functional manufacturing environment.
• Proactive approach to continuous improvement and equipment reliability.

Preferred

• Experience with Siemens PLC architecture and TIA Portal.
• Experience programming and troubleshooting Fanuc robotics and HandlingTool software.
• Familiarity with Cognex machine vision systems.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and production data collection.
• Knowledge of OPC UA and industrial communication protocols.
• Understanding of industrial networking and equipment connectivity.
• Exposure to SQL databases, reporting systems, and manufacturing analytics.
• Familiarity with Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity principles.
• Experience supporting Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, or digital transformation initiatives.
• Background integrating automated equipment with manufacturing software and production systems.

Position Details

Position: Automation Engineer

Industry: Advanced Manufacturing

Experience Level: 3–7+ Years

Primary Focus: PLC Programming, Robotics, Vision Systems, Industrial Automation, and Manufacturing Technology

Technology Exposure: Siemens, Fanuc, Cognex, MES, OPC UA, Industrial Networking, and Industry 4.0