Automation / Controls Engineer - Surgical Robotics

Micro Stamping Corporation; New Jersey; On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Micro Stamping Corporation seeks an Automation Engineer to design and implement automated manufacturing systems. This role involves improving production efficiency and managing automation projects from concept to execution. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and 3-7 years of relevant experience, including familiarity with IQ, OQ, PQ processes. Strong technical skills in PLCs, robotics, and statistical tools are essential. Join a team dedicated to enhancing production operations in New Jersey.

Qualifications

• 3-7 years of experience in automation, process improvement, or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience with IQ, OQ, PQ validation processes and protocols required.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and develop effective solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement automated manufacturing systems that increase capacity.
• Leads automation projects from concept through full production implementation.
• Provides technical support and troubleshooting for automated and robotic systems.

Skills

Programming and debugging PLCs

HMI programming

Robotics

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Office Suite

Minitab

Job description

The Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining automated manufacturing systems that improve production efficiency, consistency, and cost performance. This role drives automation strategy by identifying capable vendors, developing system concepts, and ensuring successful integration of automation into manufacturing operations.

JOB OUTCOMES

The Automation Engineer is expected to deliver measurable improvements in manufacturing performance through the successful design, implementation, and support of automation systems. Performance is demonstrated by:

• Reducing production costs and labor content through effective automation solutions
• Improving uptime, reliability, and efficiency of new and existing automated systems
• Successfully launching automation projects on time, within budget, and meeting defined performance targets
• Expanding automation capability by identifying and qualifying new vendors and technologies
• Minimizing downtime through effective troubleshooting, system support, and error recovery improvements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Automation and Controls — 50%

• Designs and implements automated manufacturing systems that increase capacity, improve uptime, and ensure repeatable performance
• Develops and integrates control systems (PLC, HMI, robotics, vision) to ensure safe, error‑proof, and efficient operation
• Programs, debugs, and optimizes robotic and automated systems on the shop floor
• Interfaces automation with manufacturing equipment including welding, cutting, stamping, forming, inspection, and assembly systems
• Identifies, evaluates, and collaborates with automation vendors to deliver high‑quality system builds
• Reviews and approves system designs, assembly drawings, and tooling components to ensure functionality and manufacturability
• Supports development and execution of IQ/OQ/PQ validation activities to ensure systems meet regulatory and performance requirements

Project Management — 30%

• Leads automation projects from concept through full production implementation, ensuring alignment with technical, cost, and timeline objectives
• Develops and evaluates cost estimates, production rates, and design feasibility to support decision‑making
• Drives cross‑functional collaboration to ensure successful system integration and project execution
• Identifies and executes continuous improvement initiatives that enhance manufacturing performance
• Develops robust, repeatable manufacturing processes that meet defined run rates, scrap targets, and process capability requirements

Systems Support — 20%

• Provides technical support and troubleshooting for automated and robotic systems to minimize downtime and sustain performance
• Develops preventative maintenance strategies and standard work instructions to ensure long‑term system reliability
• Creates and maintains bills of material to support system builds, maintenance, and spare parts management

Continuously improves system performance through monitoring, root cause analysis, and corrective actions

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field required
• 3–7 years of experience in automation, process improvement, or manufacturing engineering
• Experience with IQ, OQ, PQ validation processes and protocols required
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and develop effective solutions
• Experience in high‑volume manufacturing environments (injection molding, metal stamping, etc.) strongly preferred
• Proven ability to independently design cost‑effective, functional automation systems meeting complex requirements

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Programming and debugging PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and vision systems
• MS Office Suite; Minitab or similar statistical tools
• Blueprint reading and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Statistical Process Control (SPC), Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA / GR&R)
• Design of Experiments (DOE)

Education

Bachelors or better in Engineering.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.