Automation Engineer

Crenlo; Watertown (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Crenlo in Watertown, SD is seeking an Automation Engineer to support automation and controls projects across manufacturing operations. You will work with Plant Engineering, Maintenance, and Robot Technicians to drive improvements.

The role focuses on designing automated systems, mentoring technicians, and contributing to lean initiatives. A Bachelor's in engineering and 5+ years in manufacturing are preferred; strong PLC/robotics experience is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years experience in manufacturing environments in Off-Highway Equipment, Automotive, or Sheet Metal Fabrication.
• 1-2 years of Project Management or People Management preferred.
• Experience interacting with internal customers across design, manufacturing, quality, and cost estimating functions.

Responsibilities

• Design, specify, and implement automated systems including PLCs, robotics, sensors, and HMI/SCADA interfaces to support new and existing manufacturing processes.
• Develops support structure plan for implementation of best practices with facility Operational teams and provides a roadmap for handoff to Operations.
• Maintain spare parts inventory and lifecycle plans for controls hardware and software.
• Provide training to maintenance technicians and operators on new automated equipment and controls.
• Participate in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives (Kaizen, 5S).

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics

HMI/SCADA

Electrical troubleshooting

Project leadership

Team training

Education

Engineering degree (Electrical/Mechanical/Controls/Automation)

Tools

Allen-Bradley/Rockwell PLCs

SCADA/HMI software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

The Automation Engineer is responsible for supporting automation and controls projects. Will work closely with Plant Engineering, Maintenance, and Robot Technicians to drive desired results. Projects can range from new equipment, procurement and installation; NPI, training of team members, maintenance, and troubleshooting of current processes/equipment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, specify, and implement automated systems including PLCs, robotics, sensors, and HMI/SCADA interfaces to support new and existing manufacturing processes.
• Develops support structure plan for implementation of best practices in conjunction with facility Operational teams. Provides a roadmap for handoff of projects to Operations for implementation
• Maintain spare parts inventory and lifecycle plans for controls hardware and software.
• Provide training to maintenance technicians and operators on new automated equipment and controls.
• Participate in continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives (Kaizen, 5S) related to automation and controls.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Strong problem solving and organizational skills
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on one and small group situation to customers and other employees of the organization
• Strong knowledge of fabrication and welding processes and emerging process technologies related to Cab manufacturing
• Self-motivator able to set and achieve metric bases goals, overcome obstacles, and make timely decisions
• Leading/Managing Small Teams formally and or informally
• Program, troubleshoot, and maintain PLC logic (Allen-Bradley/Rockwell preferred) and HMI applications for production equipment.
• Ability to interpret welding blueprint specifications and symbols required
• Proven ability to quickly and effectively troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and software issues on automated systems
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, and wiring diagrams of new and existing systems
• Proficient in Microsoft Products, primarily Excel and PowerPoint
• Program and support industrial robots (e.g., welding, material handling) including path programming, offsets, and end-of-arm tooling integration.
• Ensure automated systems comply with applicable safety standards (e.g., OSHA, NFPA 79, ANSI/RIA robotics safety) and support machine safety risk assessments.
• Support integration of automation data with plant systems (e.g., historians, MES, Oracle EBS) where applicable.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Controls/Automation) or equivalent experience preferred
• Minimum of 5 years experience associated with manufacturing environments in Off-Highway Equipment, Automotive, or Sheet Metal Fabrication
  • 1-2 years of Project Management and or People Management preferred
• Experience interacting with internal customers across products design, manufacturing engineering, quality engineering, and cost estimating functions

WORKING CONDITIONS/OTHER:

• Work Hours/Status:
  • Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 4:00pm
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of federal and state employment law, compliance, trends, new technologies and best practices in areas of responsibilities.

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and competencies required of this position. Employees are held accountable for all aspects of the job which are subject to change at any time. An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Company Information

We are dedicated to the belief that people are our most important asset. In filling job openings every effort is expended to find candidates within Crenlo, its divisions or subsidiaries. Employee development, opportunity to grow and continuing to evolve both as an employee and as a company are instrumental to our success.

Location(s)

315 Airport Drive, Watertown , South Dakota 57201 , United States

Requirements

Crenlo’s total compensation – or total rewards – extends beyond your paycheck and is designed to support and enrich your personal and professional life, including:

• Time Away: competitive holiday and flexible paid-time-off.
• Planning for the Future: plan for the near and long term with an industry-leading 401K retirement savings plan with matching and company contributions, tuition reimbursement, and other financial well-being programs.
• Supporting your Health & Well-being: flexible health and insurance options including dental and vision, pre-tax Health Savings Account with employer contributions, short & long term disability insurance and a total well-being program that helps you and your family stay on track physically, socially, emotionally, and financially.
• Work-Life Integration: other benefits including Employee Assistance Program and other employee discount programs.