Automation Engineer

Vesuvius USA; West Virginia; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Vesuvius USA is seeking a qualified Automation Engineer to design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems for automated production lines in a manufacturing environment. You will lead maintenance reliability initiatives, support CAPEX projects, and collaborate with production, engineering, and external partners to improve safety, quality, and productivity.

Strong problem-solving, documentation, and CMMS proficiency are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5+ years’ experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, and system integration.
• Experience in a manufacturing and/or unionized environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens preferred).
• Develop and maintain control logic, sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and safety functions.
• Ensure optimal performance and availability of automated production lines, robotic systems, and automated material handling.
• Lead advanced troubleshooting of automation-related failures to minimize downtime.
• Maintain version control, backups, and change management for automation programs.
• Support or lead robot design, integration, and modification, including end-of-arm tooling and safety interfaces.
• Define automation-specific PM tasks, spare parts, and standards in CMMS; support RCFA and continuous improvement.

Skills

Ownership

Problem-solving

Independent work

Cross-functional communication

Constructive challenge

Standards and documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical/Mechanical/Mechatronics/Automation

Tools

HMI/SCADA development

Robotics/AGV/EGV systems

Vision systems

Electrical schematics/Control panels

CMMS usage

CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD Electrical)

Job description

Organizational Alignment

• Reports functionally and operationally to the Maintenance Manager
• Works closely with:
  • Maintenance Technicians and PLC Technician
  • Production and Engineering teams
  • External integrators, OEMs, and service providers
• Supports plant-level CAPEX, reliability, safety, and Lean transformation initiatives

Key Responsibilities

Automation, PLC & Control Systems

• Design, program, modify, and troubleshoot PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens preferred).
• Develop and maintain control logic, sequencing, interlocks, alarms, and safety functions.
• Ensure optimal performance and availability of:
• Automated production lines
• Robotic systems
• AGV / EGV and automated material handling systems

5. Lead advanced troubleshooting of automation-related failures to minimize downtime.

6. Maintain version control, backups, and change management for all automation programs.

Robotics & Automation Design

• Support or lead robot design, integration, and modification, including end-of-arm tooling and safety interfaces.
• Maintain and optimize motion control, servo systems, drives, and vision systems.
• Identify opportunities to replace manual processes with automation to improve safety, quality, and productivity.

Maintenance, Reliability & Execution

• Support the development and execution of Preventive Maintenance (PM) plans for automation, PLCs, robotics, and AGV/EGV systems.
• Define automation-specific PM tasks, frequencies, spare parts, and technical standards in CMMS.
• Actively support breakdown response and emergency troubleshooting.
• Participate in and technically lead RCFA for automation-related failures.
• Contribute to improvement of MTBF, MTTF, OEE, and reduction of unplanned downtime.

CAPEX, Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Support or lead automation-related CAPEX projects, including:
  • Scope definition
  • Technical evaluation
  • Installation, commissioning, and validation
• Support FAT/SAT activities and contractor supervision.
• Identify and implement automation and Industry 4.0 opportunities aligned with Lean principles.
• Standardize automation hardware, software, and design approaches across the plant.

Safety, Compliance & Standards

• Ensure all automation systems comply with:
  • OSHA regulations
  • Vesuvius Group standards
  • Electrical and machine safety requirements
• Support LTT, machine guarding, and safety PLC implementations.
• Participate in audits, SCARs, and corrective actions related to automation and controls.
• Design and maintain systems with safety by design principles.

Documentation, CMMS & Knowledge Transfer

• Create and maintain:
  • Electrical schematics
  • Control narratives
  • SOPs and technical documentation
• Ensure automation assets, BOMs, spare parts, and documentation are properly maintained in CMMS.
• Train and coach Maintenance Technicians, PLC Technician, and operators on automated systems.
• Support cross-training to reduce single-point technical dependency.
• Automation Reliability: Reduction of automation-related downtime and recurring failures.
• Maintenance Effectiveness: Quality PM execution and improved asset reliability metrics.
• Safety & Compliance: Zero serious safety incidents related to automation systems.
• Operational Performance: Improved productivity, data accuracy, and process stability.
• Capability Building: Increased automation and PLC competency within maintenance teams.

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5+ years’ experience in industrial automation, PLC programming, and system integration.
• Experience in a manufacturing and/or unionized environment preferred.

Technical Skills & Experience

• HMI / SCADA development and troubleshooting
• Robotics, AGV/EGV systems, vision systems
• Electrical schematics and control panel design
• CMMS usage for PMs, assets, and documentation
• CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD Electrical – preferred)

Skills & Behaviors

• High ownership for equipment reliability and safety
• Structured problem-solving and analytical mindset
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
• Strong communication across maintenance, production, and engineering
• Willingness to challenge existing solutions constructively
• Discipline in standards, documentation, and execution

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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