Automation Engineering Leader

SAELENS LLC; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance coverage

Paid time off

Paid holidays

401(k) with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Additional voluntary benefits

Job summary

Saelens LLC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is seeking a hands-on Automation Engineering Leader to develop and implement systems that support our growth. You will lead automation projects from concept to production, influence technical decisions, and collaborate with operations and engineering to deliver reliable autonomous manufacturing cells.

This role also offers the opportunity to shape our automation standards, mentor teams, and expand capabilities as the company scales.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, controls, mechanical, mechatronics, robotics, or manufacturing engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Seven or more years of industrial automation experience, including manufacturing-cell projects.
• Strong knowledge of PLC and HMI platforms, industrial robotics, machine vision, motion control, and machine safety.
• Experience working with automation integrators, equipment manufacturers, and technical vendors.
• Ability to balance technical requirements, operational needs, project schedules, cost, and risk.
• Strong communication, project leadership, and hands-on problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the automation and controls roadmap for autonomous manufacturing cells.
• Lead automation projects from concept through integration, commissioning, and production handoff.
• Design and integrate robotics, PLC/HMI controls, machine vision, sensors, motion systems, and machine-safety systems.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, IT, and outside integrators.
• Create consistent automation standards, equipment specifications, documentation, and change‑control practices.
• Use throughput, cycle time, scrap, downtime, labor efficiency, and return on investment to prioritize projects and measure results.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues and ensure systems are reliable, maintainable, and scalable.
• Share technical knowledge and help build automation capabilities across the organization.

Skills

Automation leadership

PLC/HMI expertise

Robotics

Machine vision

Motion control

Industrial networks

Project management

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, controls, mechanical, mechatronics, robotics, or manufacturing engineering

Job description

Automation Engineering Leader

Description

Company: Saelens LLC
Department: Engineering
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Position: Full-time, salaried

Salary: Competitive base salary with a performance-based bonus opportunity

The Opportunity

Saelens is a growing manufacturing company investing in advanced automation and autonomous manufacturing cells. We are seeking a hands‑on Automation Engineering Leader to help develop and implement the systems that will support our continued growth.

The successful candidate will lead automation projects, influence technical decisions, and work closely with engineering and operations from initial concept through successful production.

Growth Opportunity

As a smaller, growing company, Saelens provides employees with visibility, access to leadership, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. This position offers room to expand its influence and responsibilities as our company and automation capabilities continue to grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the automation and controls roadmap for autonomous manufacturing cells.
• Lead automation projects from concept and equipment selection through integration, commissioning, and production handoff.
• Design and integrate robotics, PLC and HMI controls, machine vision, sensors, motion systems, and machine-safety systems.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, IT, and outside integrators.
• Create consistent automation standards, equipment specifications, documentation, and change‑control practices.
• Use throughput, cycle time, scrap, downtime, labor efficiency, and return on investment to prioritize projects and measure results.
• Troubleshoot complex automation issues and ensure systems are reliable, maintainable, and scalable.
• Share technical knowledge and help build automation capabilities across the organization.

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, controls, mechanical, mechatronics, robotics, or manufacturing engineering; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Seven or more years of industrial automation experience, including responsibility for manufacturing‑cell projects.
• Strong knowledge of PLC and HMI platforms, industrial robotics, machine vision, motion control, industrial networks, and machine safety.
• Experience working with automation integrators, equipment manufacturers, and technical vendors.
• Ability to balance technical requirements, operational needs, project schedules, cost, and risk.
• Strong communication, project leadership, and hands‑on problem‑solving skills.

How Success Will Be Measured

• A clear and practical automation roadmap is established.
• Priority autonomous‑cell projects launch safely and meet performance expectations.
• Automation standards are consistently applied across projects.
• Equipment reliability, throughput, quality, and labor efficiency improve.
• Internal teams develop the skills needed to support and improve automated systems.

Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes insurance coverage, paid time off, paid holidays, a 401(k) with employer match, tuition reimbursement, and additional voluntary benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer