Automation Engineer

Schott Ag; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

SCHOTT Advanced Optics in the United States seeks a Manufacturing Automation Project Lead to plan, execute, and optimize automation initiatives across manufacturing, quality, logistics, and maintenance. You will develop project specs, budgets, timelines, and acceptance criteria, and implement advanced control systems to support operational objectives.

Lead continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 concepts; drive cost reductions, reliability, and quality while ensuring

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; Master's preferred.
• 3–5 years of project management experience in manufacturing or industrial settings.
• Experience with industrial automation, control systems, and manufacturing technology implementation.
• Experience with CNC machines, PLC programming, and automated production systems.
• Strong knowledge of Industry 4.0, IT/OT and digital manufacturing.
• Proficiency with MES, SAP EAM, and production asset management systems.
• Experience with Siemens and Heidenhain PLC/CNC platforms, Siemens WinCC, Step7, and TIA Portal.
• Familiarity with OPC UA, PROFINET, MODBUS, MTConnect, MQTT.
• Experience CAD tools such as AutoCAD, NX, or similar.
• Strong analytical, PM, communication, and problem-solving; fluent English.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation and engineering projects across manufacturing, quality, logistics, and maintenance.
• Develop project specs, roadmaps, budgets, timelines, and acceptance criteria.
• Evaluate, select, implement, and improve automation systems and equipment.
• Drive operational excellence by reducing costs and increasing equipment reliability.
• Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and CI methodologies to improve productivity and process stability.
• Establish engineering standards, maintenance strategies, and metrics to improve OEE/MTBF/MTTR.
• Provide technical leadership for automation, PLC, CNC, electrical, and control systems.
• Develop preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance programs.
• Lead adoption of advanced manufacturing tech like robotics, AI, machine vision, sensors, industrial networking, and digital manufacturing.
• Provide training and change management while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Industrial automation

Fluent English

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Siemens WinCC

Step7

TIA Portal

OPC UA

PROFINET

MODBUS

MQTT

AutoCAD

NX

Job description

SCHOTT Advanced Optics is a valuable partner for developing products and customized solutions for applications in optics, astronomy, opto-electronics, augmented reality, life sciences, and research. With a portfolio of over 120 glasses, we master the value chain, from development to finishing and metrology.

Your Contribution

Lead the planning, execution, and optimization of automation and engineering projects across manufacturing, quality, logistics, and maintenance operations

Develop project specifications, roadmaps, budgets, timelines, and acceptance criteria while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards

Evaluate, select, implement, and continuously improve automation systems, control technologies, and manufacturing equipment to support operational objectives

Drive operational excellence initiatives by reducing costs, eliminating waste, improving equipment reliability, and enhancing manufacturing performance

Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve productivity, quality, efficiency, and process stability

Establish and maintain engineering standards, work instructions, maintenance strategies, and performance metrics to improve OEE, MTBF, and MTTR

Serve as the technical expert for automation, PLC, CNC, electrical, and control systems, providing troubleshooting support and sustainable solutions to complex operational issues

Develop and optimize preventive, predictive, and condition-based maintenance programs to maximize equipment availability and reliability

Lead the evaluation and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies, including robotics, AI, machine vision, sensors, industrial networking, and digital manufacturing solutions

Provide technical leadership, training, and change management while ensuring compliance with safety regulations, machinery standards, environmental requirements, and internal engineering governance practices

• Perform other duties as assigned

Your Profile

• Bachelor's degree [or preferrably Master's degree] in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field
• Minimum of 3-5 years of project management experience within manufacturing, maintenance, technical services, or industrial engineering environments
• Demonstrated expertise in industrial automation, control systems, and manufacturing technology implementation
• Experience working with CNC machinery, PLC programming, machine controls, and automated production systems
• Strong knowledge of Industry 4.0, Industrial IT/OT systems, and digital manufacturing technologies
• Proficiency with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), SAP EAM, and production asset management systems
• Hands-on experience with Siemens and Heidenhain PLC/CNC platforms, Siemens WinCC, Step7, and TIA Portal
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols, including OPC UA, PROFINET, MODBUS, MTConnect, and MQTT
• Experience utilizing CAD software such as AutoCAD, NX, or similar engineering design tools
• Strong analytical, project management, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to lead cross-functional automation initiatives; fluent English communication required
• Fluent English communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent healthcare benefits including medical, dental and vision
• Short and long term disability
• Paid time off
• Other supplemental benefits available upon election

*At SCHOTT, it’s your personality that counts – not your gender, your identity, or origin.

Job Segment: Manufacturing Engineer, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma, Industrial Engineer, Change Management, Engineering, Management