Automation Engineer

SoTalent; Vidor (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotalent is seeking an Automation and Process Improvement Engineer to elevate automated manufacturing operations. You will collaborate with engineering, operations, and maintenance teams to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and implement innovative automation solutions.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering and at least five years in industrial settings with process automation exposure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in industrial/manufacturing with process automation exposure.
• Strong understanding of automated production systems and quality improvement methodologies.
• Experience with heavy industrial equipment and maintenance/production processes.
• Ability to lead process improvement initiatives and influence teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and training abilities.
• Able to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Identify and implement opportunities to improve processes, performance, and automation.
• Support continuous improvement using engineering principles and best practices.
• Develop and maintain standards, procedures, and equipment to boost efficiency.
• Coordinate improvement projects with operations, maintenance, and leadership.
• Advise on process automation and manufacturing control systems.
• Analyze technologies and recommend enhancements to productivity and quality.
• Provide guidance and training on automation and continuous improvement.
• Support workforce development related to automation systems.
• Collaborate across functions to align improvements with business goals.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Project coordination

Communication skills

Training abilities

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Job description

Are you passionate about driving continuous improvement through industrial automation and advanced manufacturing technologies?

We are seeking an experienced Automation and Process Improvement Engineer to support and enhance automated manufacturing operations. In this role, you will collaborate with engineering teams, operational leaders, and maintenance professionals to improve process efficiency, optimize automation systems, and implement innovative solutions that drive operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and implement opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, production performance, and automation systems.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by applying engineering principles, industry best practices, and process optimization methodologies.
• Develop, modify, and maintain standards, procedures, systems, and equipment to enhance operational efficiency and reliability.
• Coordinate improvement projects with operations, maintenance, and leadership teams to ensure successful implementation and sustainable results.
• Serve as a technical advisor on process automation and manufacturing control systems.
• Analyze existing technologies and recommend enhancements or new solutions to improve productivity, quality, and performance.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and training to employees on automation technologies, continuous improvement practices, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Support workforce development programs related to automation systems and manufacturing technologies.
• Collaborate across multiple functional areas to align improvement activities with business objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment with significant exposure to process automation and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Strong understanding of automated production systems, process optimization, standardization practices, and quality improvement methodologies.
• Experience working with heavy industrial equipment, manufacturing operations, maintenance functions, and production processes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead process improvement initiatives and influence positive change across teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project coordination skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, training, and interpersonal abilities.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and comfortable collaborating with stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Preferred Experience

• Background supporting manufacturing operations such as production, maintenance, materials handling, warehousing, finishing, or related industrial processes.
• Experience coaching employees and facilitating technical training programs.
• Knowledge of automation technologies, control systems, and continuous improvement frameworks.