Automation Engineer

Accelera; Riverside (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead automated systems at our Riverside, Missouri facility. You will own the full lifecycle of automation initiatives, ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective solutions before handover to operations.

You will partner with maintenance, IT/OT, and quality teams to optimize production, improve OEE, and implement advanced control strategies. Proven leadership and hands-on automation expertise are required for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or mechatronics required.
• 7+ years in systems integration or advanced manufacturing.
• Experience leading capital projects >$500k and coordinating suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain plant-wide automation protocols and risk-mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate and authorize automation designs, tooling, safety protocols, and launch plans.
• Manage full lifecycle of automation capital projects from business case to commissioning.
• Collaborate with maintenance, IT/OT, and quality to deliver integrated systems.
• Define launch-readiness standards for reliability, safety, and maintainability.
• Track OEE and downtime to identify trends and drive improvements.
• Oversee automation governance from inception to sustainment for production readiness.
• Perform root-cause analysis and promote replication of successful strategies.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies to recommend practical upgrades.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

OEE optimization

Leadership

Problem-solving

Technical reading

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/mechatronics

Tools

Rockwell Automation ControlLogix/Studio 5000

RSLogix 5000

FANUC robotics

iRVision

Roboguide

Keyence/Cognex vision

EtherNet/IP networking

FactoryTalk View

AutoCAD/SolidWorks

Power BI/Tableau

Job description

As a global frontrunner in the automotive seating sector, our success is driven by a team of high-achieving, innovative professionals. We maintain our competitive edge by staying at the forefront of technological advancements and industry shifts. Joining our team means you will contribute directly to enhancing the mobility experience for people around the globe.

Position Overview

The Automation Engineer serves as the technical and strategic lead for automated systems within our manufacturing facility. This role oversees the entire lifecycle of automation, from initial design and capital investment to launch readiness and ongoing performance optimization. By acting as the primary authority for system approvals and modifications, you will ensure that all automation solutions are safe, reliable, cost-effective, and fully optimized for production before they are handed over to operations.

Core Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain plant-wide automation protocols, including design specifications, control architectures, and risk-mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate and authorize automation designs, software frameworks, safety protocols, and production launch plans to ensure operational excellence.
• Manage the full lifecycle of automation capital projects, from initial business cases and vendor selection to final commissioning and budget oversight.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including maintenance, IT/OT, and quality—to deliver integrated systems that help maintain a seamless production environment.
• Define rigorous launch-readiness standards to ensure equipment reliability, safety, and maintainability, ultimately helping to guarantee a smooth transition to full-scale production.
• Track automated-cell performance metrics like OEE and downtime to identify trends and lead corrective actions that improve overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Oversee automation governance from inception to sustainment, ensuring that all systems meet stability benchmarks before being released to operations.
• Perform root-cause analysis and promote the replication of successful automation strategies to help drive continuous improvement across the facility.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies to recommend practical upgrades that enhance safety, quality, and productivity for the entire team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechatronics, electrical, mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering.
• Seven or more years of professional experience in systems integration, controls engineering, or advanced manufacturing.
• Proven track record of leading capital projects exceeding $500,000, including managing technical scope and supplier relationships to ensure project success.
• Solid understanding of lean manufacturing principles, OEE optimization, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex technical documentation, including electrical schematics, mechanical layouts, and supplier proposals.
• Demonstrated leadership and communication skills, with the ability to set technical direction and hold stakeholders accountable to maintain high standards.
• PLC and controls: Expert knowledge of Rockwell Automation ControlLogix and CompactLogix, including proficiency in RSLogix 5000 and Studio 5000 environments.
• HMI systems: Capability to design and validate FactoryTalk View SE and ME applications, including alarm management and operator interface security.
• Robotics: Experience with FANUC robot programming, including iRVision, Dual Check Safety, and Roboguide simulation tools.
• Vision systems: Proficiency in configuring Keyence and Cognex vision applications to ensure inspection accuracy and reliable communication with PLCs.
• Industrial networks: Deep understanding of EtherNet/IP architecture, managed-switch configuration, and network diagnostics.
• Industrial cybersecurity: Familiarity with OT network segmentation, secure remote access, and baseline cybersecurity practices.
• Machine safety: Knowledge of ISO 12100 standards, safety PLC applications, and machinery risk assessment principles.

Software and Professional Development

• Competency in project management tools such as Microsoft Project.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings using AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
• Advanced data analysis skills using Microsoft Excel and visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau.
• Professional certifications such as PMP or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt are highly valued.
• Training in OSHA 30-Hour General Industry and machinery risk assessment is considered a plus.
• Specific platform certifications for Rockwell Automation or FANUC HandlingTool Operations are preferred.