Automation Engineer

IPL Schoeller; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IPL Schoeller in Phoenix, AZ is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automated production systems across plastics manufacturing. You will work with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision, and IoT technologies to improve efficiency, quality, and reliability in high-volume operations.

The role requires 3–7 years in manufacturing automation, proficiency with Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI/SCADA, and experience with robotics and machine vision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, automation, or mechatronics.
• 3–7 years of automation engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with PLC platforms Siemens and Allen-Bradley, HMIs, SCADA, and industrial networking.
• Experience designing, implementing, and optimizing automated manufacturing systems including robotics and machine vision.
• Knowledge of plastics processing technologies (extrusion, injection molding, thermoforming).
• Familiarity with IoT-enabled systems, data acquisition, and smart manufacturing solutions.
• Working knowledge of machine safety standards, ISO requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Certifications in industrial automation, PLC programming, robotics, or control systems a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation solutions (PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems).
• Analyze processes to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve throughput.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues to minimize downtime.
• Program, configure, calibrate, and maintain PLCs, sensors, servo drives, and automation equipment.
• Support IoT integration, data acquisition, and smart manufacturing for process monitoring.
• Lead automation improvement projects focused on productivity, quality, safety, and cost reduction.
• Ensure automation systems comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and supply chain teams.
• Manage automation upgrades, commissioning, and vendor coordination.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation (specifications, procedures, validation).

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics

Industrial controls

Smart manufacturing

Problem-solving

Project management

Communication

Lean/Six Sigma

Safety standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Automation/Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI/SCADA

Vision systems

IoT data acquisition

Industrial networking

Job description

Who We Are

On July 1, 2025, IPL Plastics merged with Schoeller Allibert to form IPL Schoeller (the ‘company’). The Company’s operations are split across North America (11 manufacturing plants) and Europe (16 manufacturing plants).

Who We Are

On July 1, 2025, IPL Plastics merged with Schoeller Allibert to form IPL Schoeller (the ‘company’). The Company’s operations are split across North America (11 manufacturing plants) and Europe (16 manufacturing plants).
The company is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. IPL Schoeller is a leading manufacturer of sustainable rigid packaging solutions across a range of end market segments including returnable transit packaging, consumer and industrial packaging, environmental containers and agricultural packaging. The company employs c.4,100 employees across North America (1,600 employees) and Europe (2,500 employees.)
We are seeking a skilled and innovative Automation Engineer to drive manufacturing excellence through the design, implementation, and optimization of automated production systems. This role is critical in improving efficiency, product quality, reliability, and cost performance across our manufacturing operations. The ideal candidate will have expertise in PLC programming, robotics, industrial controls, and smart manufacturing technologies, with experience supporting high-volume production environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation solutions, including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, and industrial controls.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve throughput.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related equipment and system issues to minimize production disruptions.
• Program, configure, calibrate, and maintain PLCs, sensors, servo drives, and automation equipment.
• Support the integration of IoT, data acquisition, and smart manufacturing technologies to enhance process monitoring and control.
• Lead automation improvement projects focused on productivity, quality, safety, and cost reduction.
• Ensure automation systems comply with applicable safety standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and supply chain teams to support operational goals and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage automation upgrades, equipment commissioning, and vendor coordination activities.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including system specifications, maintenance procedures, and validation protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• 3-7 years of automation engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably within plastics packaging or plastics processing operations.
• Hands-on experience with PLC platforms such as Siemens and Allen-Bradley, along with HMI, SCADA, and industrial networking systems.
• Experience designing, implementing, and optimizing automated manufacturing systems, including robotics and machine vision technology.
• Knowledge of plastics processing technologies such as extrusion, injection molding, or thermoforming.
• Familiarity with IoT-enabled systems, data acquisition, and smart manufacturing solutions.
• Working knowledge of machine safety standards, ISO requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Relevant certifications in industrial automation, PLC programming, robotics, or control systems are a plus.

If you have the above experience and are looking for a role where you can make a real difference,