Automation Engineer - Plastics - Naugatuck, CT

Michael Page; Naugatuck (CT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Generous PTO

Paid holidays

Career growth

Leadership opportunities

High-visibility projects

Advanced automation exposure

Job summary

MPI is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead design, implementation, and optimization of automation systems within a well-established manufacturing environment. The role focuses on robotics, PLC controls, tool development, and cross-functional collaboration to advance productivity and quality.

The candidate will mentor teams, drive cost-reduction initiatives, and support new product launches with scalable production processes and Industry 4.0 readiness.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of automation, robotics, or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Strong PLC programming, troubleshooting, and controls integration.
• Hands-on expertise with industrial robotics, including programming and integration.
• Knowledge of vision systems, sensors, pneumatics, hydraulics, and motion control.
• Experience designing fixtures, tooling, and EOAT solutions.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, machine safety standards, and risk assessments.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience mentoring technical teams and leading projects.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems is advantageous.
• Exposure to Industry 4.0 or advanced automation technologies is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation, tooling, and manufacturing improvement projects from concept through implementation.
• Design, develop, and optimize automated manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Act as the subject matter expert for robotics, automation systems, controls, and process integration.
• Create and modify tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing solutions using CAD software.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, tooling, and quality teams to develop scalable production processes.
• Investigate production challenges, perform root cause analysis, and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Support the introduction, validation, and launch of new products, equipment, and automation technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, throughput, and cost reduction.
• Develop and monitor KPIs related to equipment performance, downtime, and process capability.
• Lead capital equipment selection, justification, installation, and commissioning activities.
• Establish automation standards, best practices, and programming methodologies.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to engineers and technicians across the business.

Skills

Robotics experience

PLC programming

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Education

Tools

SolidWorks

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

My client is in search of an Automation Engineer to join their team. In this role you will be leading the design, implementation, and optimization of automation systems that improve productivity, quality, and operational performance. This is a high-impact role offering the opportunity to drive innovation, work with advanced robotics and automation technologies, and partner with cross-functional teams on strategic initiatives.

Our client is a well-established, employee-owned manufacturing organization recognized for delivering high-quality solutions to some of the world's most demanding industries, including medical devices, defense, security, and advanced technology sectors. They are known for investing in cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, fostering a collaborative culture, and empowering employees to contribute directly to the company's growth and success.

Description

The Automation Engineer will:

• Lead automation, tooling, and manufacturing improvement projects from concept through implementation.
• Design, develop, and optimize automated manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Act as the subject matter expert for robotics, automation systems, controls, and process integration.
• Create and modify tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing solutions using CAD software.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, tooling, and quality teams to develop scalable production processes.
• Investigate production challenges, perform root cause analysis, and implement long-term corrective actions.
• Support the introduction, validation, and launch of new products, equipment, and automation technologies.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, throughput, and cost reduction.
• Develop and monitor KPIs related to equipment performance, downtime, and process capability.
• Lead capital equipment selection, justification, installation, and commissioning activities.
• Establish automation standards, best practices, and programming methodologies.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to engineers and technicians across the business.

Profile

The Automation Engineer should have the following qualifications:

• 5+ years of automation, robotics, or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Strong experience with PLC programming, troubleshooting, and controls integration.
• Hands-on expertise with industrial robotics, including programming, integration, and optimization.
• Knowledge of vision systems, sensors, pneumatics, hydraulics, and motion control technologies.
• Experience designing fixtures, tooling, and EOAT solutions.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems, machine safety standards, and risk assessments.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks and similar design platforms.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple functions.
• Experience mentoring technical teams and leading projects.
• Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing software is advantageous.
• Exposure to Industry 4.0, advanced automation, or additive manufacturing technologies would be beneficial.

Job Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Full health insurance including medical, dental and vision
• Generous PTO
• 11 paid holidays
• Great company culture with room for career growth
• Exposure to advanced automation, robotics, and manufacturing technologies.
• Chance to lead high-visibility projects with significant business impact.
• Career growth opportunities through technical leadership and project ownership.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.