Automation Engineer

KARIER; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Cadence in Staunton, VA is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automated production systems onsite. You will work with cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, and efficiency while supporting FAT, commissioning, and production releases, with flexibility for 24/7 operations.

Candidates should have 5+ years in automation in manufacturing, a related bachelor's, and experience with PLC/HMI, robotics, and safety systems.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of Automation Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Experience with PLC and HMI programming, troubleshooting, and system integration.
• Experience with industrial robotics, motion control systems, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Strong understanding of machine safety principles, controls architecture, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex automation and equipment issues using structured problem-solving methods.
• Strong project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate automated manufacturing equipment and production systems.
• Program, troubleshoot, and support PLCs, HMIs, robotics, servo systems, vision systems, sensors, drives, and machine controls.
• Develop automation concepts, control architectures, sequence-of-operation documents, and equipment specifications.
• Support FAT, commissioning, startup, validation, and production release activities.
• Troubleshoot automation, controls, robotics, electrical, communication, and equipment performance issues to improve uptime and reliability.
• Analyze downtime and production data, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Support robotic applications including material handling, assembly, machine tending, automated inspection, and other manufacturing processes.
• Design and implement machine safety systems, including safety PLCs, light curtains, interlocks, scanners, and emergency-stop systems.
• Partner with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and external suppliers to support manufacturing operations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead or support automation projects from concept through implementation while managing project scope, timelines, costs, and technical requirements.
• Evaluate and implement emerging automation technologies to improve productivity, quality, and manufacturing capability.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Robotics

Safety systems

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Automation/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Electrical design tools

Job description

Join our onsite, Staunton, VA Engineering team as an Automation Engineer and help shape the future of manufacturing through innovative automation solutions. In this role, you will design, implement, support, and optimize automated production systems that improve safety, quality, efficiency, and reliability across our manufacturing operations.

What You'll Do

• Design, develop, and integrate automated manufacturing equipment and production systems.
• Program, troubleshoot, and support PLCs, HMIs, robotics, servo systems, vision systems, sensors, drives, and machine controls.
• Develop automation concepts, control architectures, sequence-of-operation documents, and equipment specifications.
• Support equipment builds, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), commissioning, startup, validation, and production release activities.
• Troubleshoot automation, controls, robotics, electrical, communication, and equipment performance issues to improve uptime and reliability.
• Analyze downtime and production data, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Support robotic applications including material handling, assembly, machine tending, automated inspection, and other manufacturing processes.
• Design and implement machine safety systems, including safety PLCs, light curtains, interlocks, scanners, and emergency-stop systems.
• Partner with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and external suppliers to support manufacturing operations and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead or support automation projects from concept through implementation while managing project scope, timelines, costs, and technical requirements.
• Evaluate and implement emerging automation technologies to improve productivity, quality, and manufacturing capability.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years of Automation Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field preferred.
• Experience with PLC and HMI programming, troubleshooting, and system integration.
• Experience with industrial robotics, motion control systems, and automated manufacturing equipment.
• Knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols.
• Strong understanding of machine safety principles, controls architecture, and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex automation and equipment issues using structured problem-solving methods.
• Strong project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Fanuc robotics and automated production systems.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with CAD and electrical design software.
• Lean Six Sigma, PMP, Certified Automation Professional (CAP), or related certifications preferred.
• Experience with vision systems, barcode/RFID technologies, data collection systems, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

Work Environment

This position works in both office and manufacturing environments and requires regular interaction with production equipment and personnel. Candidates must be able to walk and stand for extended periods, occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, and wear required PPE while working on the production floor.

If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, implementing cutting-edge automation technologies, and driving continuous improvement in manufacturing operations, we encourage you to apply.

Consistent with Cadence's career architecture, this position may be staffed at varying experience levels. Criteria evaluated when determining level and compensation is based on experience, skills, and other job-related factors.

Regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8-hour shifts during standard business hours and will be determined in partnership with the hiring manager based on business needs. Flexibility is required to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation, including occasional early morning, evening, or weekend hours as business needs dictate.