Automation Engineer

Wabtec; Maxton (NC); On-site; USD 68,900 - 98,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Health Benefits

Retirement Benefits

Annual Bonus (if eligible)

Job summary

Wabtec in Maxton, North Carolina is seeking an Automation Engineer to assist in designing and overseeing the implementation of new technologies to enhance manufacturing processes. The role includes designing and testing automated systems, managing projects, and ensuring quality in production activities.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering, along with solid experience in automation systems. The position offers a competitive salary and potential relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering or similar field.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in an industrial environment.
• Experience designing and maintaining automation type equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee installation of new technology for automation.
• Manage projects and supervise RFPC staff or contractors.
• Troubleshoot and perform maintenance on automation systems.

Skills

Electrical and Mechanical Principles

Project Management

Troubleshooting and System Testing

Leadership Skills

Creative Thinking

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Associate/Technical Degree with 5 years experience

Tools

Automation Equipment

Computer Programming Software

Job description

Job Description

Who will you be working with?

The Friction Product Line designs and manufactures high‑friction and low‑friction composition, sintered brake shoes, specialty shoes, and disc brake linings for freight, locomotive and transit vehicles.

How will you make a difference?

The Automation Engineer assists the Manufacturing Engineering Manager to help design and oversee installation and maintenance of new technology to improve and automate the manufacturing process. The Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing and testing automated machinery and processes to complete exact tasks inside the factory. This can include new systems and upgrades to existing facility equipment.

What do we want to know about you?

• Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or similar field (or Associate/Technical Degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or similar field with 5 years experience in lieu of Bachelor's degree)
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in an industrial environment.
• Experience in designing, commissioning, and maintaining various automation type equipment including robots and other general automation equipment.
• Experience with Project Management.
• Solid understanding of computer programming and software development.
• Ability to troubleshoot and perform complex system tests.
• Good knowledge of general industrial disciplines including hydraulics, pneumatics, plant safety and processes, and industrial process systems.
• General knowledge of electrical power wiring design principles, VFDs, and other common electrical equipment.
• Strong leadership and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient in maintaining automation equipment.
• Good organization skills and attention to detail.
• Creative thinking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to keep up with latest technologies.
• A desire to continually upgrade technical knowledge.
• Ability to present issues / opportunities to RFPC staff.
• Good communication and interaction skills.

What will your typical day look like?

• Explore and design new ways to automate machinery and processes. This can include a wide range of automation options (robots, new metering and/or disposing systems, new material handling systems, etc) designed to fit the needs of the manufacturing process.
• Conceptualize, design, and install condition‑based monitoring (CBM) systems on new and existing facility equipment.
• Strong presence on shop floor identifying and managing projects.
• Upon identification of a worthwhile project, write a project description including A) Overall project function, B) Anticipated project benefits and C) Estimated project cost obtained by working directly with vendors, contractors, and other suppliers to determine project equipment requirement. The project description is sent to RFPC management for review and approval.
• Upon approval of a project, order equipment and perform required detailed design and drawings (as needed).
• Program new automated components as needed.
• Directly manage contractors and/or RFPC staff to supervise project installation and conduct system startup.
• Test new systems as needed and identify/correct all quality and safety issues.
• Eliminate defects and errors with product and software development.
• In conjunction with RFPC maintenance department and/or specialized contractors, conduct/oversee routine maintenance of new equipment systems.
• Install and support system upgrades to existing equipment as required.
• Participate on Kaizens and other team events as requested.
• Enter new data into production systems as required.
• Support RFPC Lean Manufacturing programs.
• Other duties as assigned by Manufacturing Engineer Manager.

What about the physical demands of the job?

• Regularly lift a minimum of fifty pounds (50lbs).
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, crouch, push and pull.
• Regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts and extreme heat (non‑weather).
• Occasionally exposed to airborne particles.
• While on the shop floor, required PPE will be safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, ear plugs and gloves.

Relocation assistance may be provided if eligibility requirements are met.

Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable) and fitness for duty test (as applicable).

Travel will be <10%

Qualifications

Additional Information: Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $68,900‑$98,200. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know – we’ve got you.