Automation Engineer — Smart Plastics Manufacturing

IPL Schoeller; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

IPL Schoeller in Phoenix, AZ is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automated production systems across plastics manufacturing. You will work with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision, and IoT technologies to improve efficiency, quality, and reliability in high-volume operations.

The role requires 3–7 years in manufacturing automation, proficiency with Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI/SCADA, and experience with robotics and machine vision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, automation, or mechatronics.
• 3–7 years of automation engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Experience with PLC platforms Siemens and Allen-Bradley, HMIs, SCADA, and industrial networking.
• Experience designing, implementing, and optimizing automated manufacturing systems including robotics and machine vision.
• Knowledge of plastics processing technologies (extrusion, injection molding, thermoforming).
• Familiarity with IoT-enabled systems, data acquisition, and smart manufacturing solutions.
• Working knowledge of machine safety standards, ISO requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, project management, and communication skills.
• Certifications in industrial automation, PLC programming, robotics, or control systems a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement automation solutions (PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems).
• Analyze processes to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve throughput.
• Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues to minimize downtime.
• Program, configure, calibrate, and maintain PLCs, sensors, servo drives, and automation equipment.
• Support IoT integration, data acquisition, and smart manufacturing for process monitoring.
• Lead automation improvement projects focused on productivity, quality, safety, and cost reduction.
• Ensure automation systems comply with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with production, maintenance, quality, engineering, and supply chain teams.
• Manage automation upgrades, commissioning, and vendor coordination.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation (specifications, procedures, validation).

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics

Industrial controls

Smart manufacturing

Problem-solving

Project management

Communication

Lean/Six Sigma

Safety standards

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Automation/Mechatronics

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

HMI/SCADA

Vision systems

IoT data acquisition

Industrial networking

Job description

IPL Schoeller in Phoenix, AZ is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automated production systems across plastics manufacturing. You will work with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision, and IoT technologies to improve efficiency, quality, and reliability in high-volume operations.

The role requires 3–7 years in manufacturing automation, proficiency with Siemens and Allen-Bradley PLCs, HMI/SCADA, and experience with robotics and machine vision.