Automation Engineer

Williamvaughnta; Old Tappan (NJ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Williamvaughnta is a growing food and beverage manufacturer in Old Tappan, New Jersey, focused on enhancing its high-speed packaging operations. We are seeking an Automation Controls Engineer with a strong background in motion control to support and improve production lines.

This role involves designing PLC-based control systems, troubleshooting automation issues, and collaborating across functions to enhance operational performance. Ideal candidates should have over 5 years of experience with hands-on expertise in servo-driven systems.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in automation and controls within manufacturing.
• Strong hands-on experience with motion control and servo systems.
• Comfortable working on the production floor and cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems.
• Work extensively with servo motors and multi-axis motion control systems.
• Support commissioning and integration of new production equipment.
• Troubleshoot automation and controls issues impacting uptime.

Skills

Motion control experience

PLC programming

Servo-driven systems

Troubleshooting automation issues

Tools

Rockwell (Allen-Bradley)

Siemens

Mitsubishi

Job description

We are a growing food and beverage manufacturer operating in a high-volume production environment, with a strong focus on packaging efficiency, automation, and continuous improvement.

The business is investing heavily in modernizing its production lines and building out internal engineering capabilities to support long-term growth. This is a hands-on environment where automation plays a critical role in throughput, quality, and operational performance.

Automation Engineer Overview:

We are seeking an Automation Controls Engineer with strong motion control experience to support and enhance high-speed packaging operations.

This role is heavily focused on servo-driven systems, coordinated motion, and PLC-based controls. This is not a maintenance-only role. This individual will play a key part in improving system performance, supporting new equipment installations, and optimizing existing production lines.

Automation Engineer Responsibilities:

• Design, program, and troubleshoot PLC-based control systems supporting packaging equipment
• Work extensively with servo motors, drives, and multi-axis motion control systems
• Develop and optimize motion profiles for high-speed packaging applications
• Support commissioning, startup, and integration of new production equipment
• Troubleshoot automation and controls issues impacting uptime and throughput
• Partner with operations and maintenance teams to improve line performance
• Modify and enhance HMI interfaces for better operator usability and visibility
• Travel to support equipment installs, vendors, and other facilities (25–30%)

Automation Engineer Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in automation and controls within manufacturing
• Strong hands-on experience with motion control and servo systems (required)
• Experience with one or more of the following platforms:
• Rockwell (Allen-Bradley)
• Siemens
• Mitsubishi
• Experience working on high-speed packaging equipment
• Strong PLC programming skills (ladder logic, structured text, etc.)
• Ability to troubleshoot complex automation issues in a production environment
• Comfortable working on the production floor and working cross-functionally