Automation Engineering Lead

Insight Global; Woburn (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global seeks an Automation Engineering Lead to drive the strategy and execution of automation frameworks across a dynamic engineering environment. The role bridges development and quality assurance, championing automation best practices at scale and requires strong communication with cross-functional teams and leadership.

The ideal candidate will lead a small automation team, spend ~70% designing, programming, building, and implementing automation solutions and ~30% coordinating projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field.
• 3+ years of automation engineering experience with demonstrated leadership abilities.
• Hands-on PLC programming experience with major platforms.
• Experience designing, building, and commissioning custom automation solutions.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, fabrication, and testing of automation equipment.
• Experience working with robotics and automated manufacturing systems.
• Strong cross-functional communication with engineering, manufacturing, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation team with approximately 70% hands-on design, programming, building, and implementation of automation solutions.
• Allocate ~30% of time to team leadership, project oversight, and global coordination.
• Move seamlessly between PLC programming, mechanical design, robotics, prototyping, and system development.
• Oversee projects including robotic sanding, cartridge filling, and international facility development.

Skills

Leadership

PLC programming

Design

Prototyping

Robotics

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field

Tools

Siemens PLC

Allen-Bradley PLC

Horner PLC

Keyence PLC

Job description

We are seeking an Automation Engineering Lead, who is ready to drive the strategy and execution of test automation frameworks across a dynamic engineering environment. The client is seeking a technically strong leader who can bridge the gap between development and quality assurance, championing automation best practices at scale. The ideal candidate will bring exceptional verbal and written communication skills, as this role requires close collaboration with cross‑functional teams, stakeholders, and leadership.

Must Haves:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field
• 3+ years of automation engineering experience with demonstrated leadership abilities
• Hands‑on PLC programming experience (Siemens preferred, but open to other platforms such as Horner, Keyence, Allen Bradley, etc.)
• Experience designing, building, troubleshooting, and commissioning custom automation solutions
• Hands‑on experience with prototyping, fabrication, assembly, and testing of automation equipment
• Experience working with robotics and automated manufacturing systems
• Strong communication skills and ability to work cross‑functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and leadership teams

Day-To-Day:

Insight Global is seeking an Automation Engineering Lead . This role is a unique blend of hands‑on engineering and leadership, with approximately 70% of the time focused on designing, programming, building, and implementing automation solutions and 30% focused on team leadership, project oversight, and global coordination.

This individual will lead a small automation team while remaining deeply involved in technical execution. The ideal candidate can move seamlessly between PLC programming, mechanical design, robotics, prototyping, and automation system development. Brian is specifically looking for a true hybrid engineer who can both design automation equipment and program it.

Projects include robotic sanding systems, automated cartridge filling equipment, machine development for international manufacturing facilities, and ongoing automation initiatives designed to improve production efficiency and reduce manufacturing costs.