Automation & Projects Engineer

ATEK Metal Technologies LLC; New Hampton (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

ATEK Metal Technologies LLC in New Hampton, IA, is seeking an Automation & Projects Engineer to drive automation strategy across our foundry operations. You will program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and robotics, and lead capital projects from concept through commissioning.

This role blends hands-on shop-floor work with engineering planning, requiring collaboration with engineering, maintenance, production, quality, and safety to deliver on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a foundry environment, including 3+ years in molding and process engineering.
• Experience with industrial controls, communication protocols, and controls architecture.
• Real-world success applying automation in a foundry setting — PLC programming, troubleshooting, configuration.
• HMI and robot programming experience, including backup and restoration.
• Track record of leading capital projects from concept through commissioning, budget and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and robotic automation across foundry processes.
• Lead capital projects from concept through full implementation — scope, budget, vendor management, installation, commissioning (FAT/SAT), and ramp-up.
• Manage equipment relocations and refurbishments, from decommissioning through re-qualification, with minimal disruption to production.
• Maintain plant layout documentation as equipment, capacity, and material flow evolve.
• Partner with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Safety to resolve issues and drive improvement.
• Train operators, engineers, and maintenance staff on the automation systems you build and maintain.
• Manage vendor and integrator relationships, spare parts strategy, and obsolescence planning.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

SCADA systems

Robotic automation

Capital projects leadership

Vendor management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

High School Diploma / GED

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Siemens PLCs

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

SCADA software

Job description

Automation & Projects EngineerATEK Metal Technologies — a Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry company | New Hampton, IowaBuild the systems that run the floor, and the projects that transform it.ATEK Metal Technologies is looking for an Automation & Projects Engineer to join our engineering team and drive automation strategy across our foundry operations. You'll bring deep technical expertise to PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and robotic automation, and take the lead on capital projects — from new installations to relocations and refurbishments — working closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Safety along the way.If you like variety, hands-on problem solving, and seeing your work go from a concept to full production, this is built for you!What you'll do:Program, troubleshoot, and optimize PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and robotic automation across foundry processesLead capital projects from concept through full implementation — scope, budget, vendor management, installation, commissioning (FAT/SAT), and ramp-up — delivered on time and on budgetManage equipment relocations and refurbishments, from decommissioning through re-qualification, with minimal disruption to productionMaintain plant layout documentation as equipment, capacity, and material flow evolvePartner with Engineering, Maintenance, Production, Quality, and Safety to resolve issues and drive improvementTrain operators, engineers, and maintenance staff on the automation systems you build and maintainManage vendor and integrator relationships, spare parts strategy, and obsolescence planningWhat you bring:5+ years in a foundry environment, including 3+ years in molding and process engineering2+ years of hands-on experience with industrial controls, communication protocols, and controls architectureReal-world success applying automation in a foundry setting — PLC programming, troubleshooting, configurationHMI and robot programming experience, including backup and restorationA track record of leading capital projects from concept through commissioning, budget and vendors includedHigh school diploma or GED requiredNice to have:A bachelor's degree in engineeringAllen-Bradley or Siemens PLC experienceAluminum foundry automation backgroundCAD/layout tool proficiency (AutoCAD, SolidWorks)You'll split time between the shop floor and a desk, with regular exposure to a working foundry environment (heat, dust, noise).Reports to: Engineering Manager