Automation Projects Engineer

Begell House Inc.; Draper, Northern (UT, KY); Hybrid; USD 97,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Generous benefits package

401(k) plan with employer matching

Paid parental leave

Wellness programs

Product discounts

Job summary

Hunter Douglas in North America seeks an Automation engineer to design, develop, and implement automated systems for new manufacturing initiatives. You will work with engineering, operations, and IT to identify opportunities, define requirements, and ensure seamless integration of equipment and controls into production lines.

You will lead projects, program PLCs/robotics, manage timelines and budgets, and drive continuous improvement across facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 3+ years of automation experience in manufacturing.
• Strong PLC programming expertise across major platforms.
• Experience with robotics, vision systems, VFDs and servo control.
• Proven project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 35–40% across US and Mexico.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation scope for new equipment, lines, and initiatives.
• Design and deploy PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, and networks.
• Define scope, specs, budgets, timelines, and resources.
• Manage multiple automation projects, meeting cost and schedule targets.
• Drive RFQs, vendor selection, design reviews, FATs, SATs, and startups.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Operations, IT, Quality, and Maintenance.
• Support connectivity with MES and data integration.
• Identify continuous improvement to improve cycle time and OEE.

Skills

PLC programming

Robotics/vision systems

System integration

Data acquisition

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Electronics, Automation Engineering

Tools

Allen Bradley

Beckhoff

Omron

Siemens

Job description

Hunter Douglas is the world's leading manufacturer of window coverings and a major manufacturer of architectural products. We are a brand that you know and trust. With more than 100 years of innovation, we've defined our industry with proprietary products that deliver revolutionary style and functionality and can be found in millions of homes and commercial buildings globally.

We are searching for candidates that are driven, intelligent, creative, and entrepreneurial. By offering challenging and accelerated opportunities for growth, powered by a shared hunger for success, we create a space for your career to thrive. In return for your expertise, we are committed to providing competitive and robust total compensation and benefit packages to ensure you feel valued. Our dream is to become the fastest growing, most loved, window covering company in the world. What's yours?

Position Overview

Automation engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing automated systems and solutions to support new manufacturing or operational initiatives across North America plants. This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams—including engineering, production, and IT—to identify automation opportunities, define technical requirements, and ensure seamless integration of equipment and controls into new processes or production lines. Key responsibilities include selecting appropriate technologies, programming PLCs or robotics, managing project timelines, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring systems meet safety and quality standards. The engineer also plays a critical role in validating performance, supporting startup activities, and driving continuous improvement from concept to handover. Strong analytical, technical, and project management skills are essential, as well as the ability to adapt to evolving technologies and dynamic project environments.

What you'll do

• Lead automation and controls scope for new equipment, production lines, and manufacturing initiatives.
• Design, program, and deploy PLCs, HMIs, robotics, vision systems, VFDs, and industrial networks.
• Define project scope, technical specifications, budgets, timelines, and resource plans.
• Manage multiple automation projects while ensuring delivery against cost, schedule, and performance targets.
• Drive RFQs, vendor selection, and coordination of design reviews, FATs, SATs, installation, and startup.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, IT, Quality, and Maintenance for system integration.
• Support machine connectivity, data acquisition, and integration with MES and IT platforms.
• Identify continuous improvement opportunities to enhance cycle time, OEE, and cost efficiency.
• All other duties as assigned

Who you are

• Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Electronics, Automation Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience as a Controls/Automation Engineer in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong expertise in PLC programming (Allen Bradley, Beckhoff, Omron, Siemens).
• Experience with industrial networks such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, and IO-Link.
• Hands-on knowledge of robotics, vision systems, VFDs, and servo motion control.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deliver against defined timelines and budgets.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and external vendors/integrators.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 35-40% across US, Mexico, and vendor locations (for meeting workshops & project implementations).
• Valid passport, driver's license, and ability to travel on short notice as required.

What's in it for you?

• Annual base salary range: $97,000- $131,000
• Bonus target range: 20-30%
• Generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability
• Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.
• A company culture that prioritizes internal development and professional growth
• Time off with pay
• 401(k) plan with a degree of employer matching
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs and product discounts

Please note, all offers presented to candidates are carefully crafted to ensure market competitiveness, equity, and reflect the individual candidate's education, experience, skills and potential. Hunter Douglas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.