Automation Systems Engineer

Accelera; Hopkinsville (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera in Kentucky is seeking an Automation Systems Engineer to lead the design, deployment, and optimization of advanced control architectures that enhance manufacturing excellence. The role focuses on modernizing automation platforms and resolving complex system challenges in high-speed production environments.

Responsibilities include PLC/HMI/SCADA development, OEM equipment integration, and end-to-end project delivery from concept to commissioning, with a strong emphasis on safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics or related field.
• 5+ years in industrial control systems within high-speed manufacturing.
• Advanced PLC programming and industrial network troubleshooting.
• Experience with Rockwell Automation or similar platforms and reading electrical schematics.

Responsibilities

• Architect, program, and refine PLC, HMI, and SCADA frameworks for optimal performance.
• Integrate OEM machinery into unified plant-wide automation networks.
• Lead root cause analyses to eliminate recurring bottlenecks.
• Manage full lifecycle of capital automation projects from concept through commissioning.
• Standardize programming protocols and documentation for long-term maintainability.
• Provide expert troubleshooting to minimize downtime and maximize throughput.
• Ensure automation solutions meet safety standards including LOTO and electrical compliance.

Skills

Industrial control experience

PLC programming

Industrial networking

Electrical schematics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering/Mechatronics

Tools

Rockwell Automation

FactoryTalk

Job description

As an Automation Systems Engineer, you will serve as a technical lead for the design, deployment, and optimization of advanced control architectures that drive manufacturing excellence. You will play a pivotal role in enhancing equipment reliability and operational efficiency by modernizing automation platforms and resolving complex system challenges in high-speed production environments.

About the Role

As an Automation Systems Engineer, you will serve as a technical lead for the design, deployment, and optimization of advanced control architectures that drive manufacturing excellence. You will play a pivotal role in enhancing equipment reliability and operational efficiency by modernizing automation platforms and resolving complex system challenges in high-speed production environments.

Responsibilities

• Architect, program, and refine PLC, HMI, and SCADA frameworks to maximize system performance.
• Oversee the integration of diverse OEM machinery into unified plant-wide automation networks.
• Direct root cause analysis initiatives to eliminate recurring electrical and communication bottlenecks.
• Manage the full lifecycle of capital automation projects, from initial conceptual design through final commissioning.
• Standardize programming protocols and technical documentation to ensure long-term system maintainability.
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting support to minimize downtime and optimize throughput across packaging and processing lines.
• Ensure all automation solutions adhere to rigorous safety standards, including LOTO and electrical compliance.

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience managing industrial control systems within a high-speed manufacturing setting.
• Advanced proficiency in PLC programming and industrial network troubleshooting.
• Hands‑on expertise with Rockwell Automation, FactoryTalk, or similar industry‑standard platforms.
• Proven ability to interpret and draft complex electrical schematics and control panel designs.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with MES, OEE tracking, and data-driven manufacturing optimization.
• Background in food, beverage, or CPG processing environments.
• Familiarity with batch process automation and servo motion control systems.
• Strong project management skills with a focus on cross-functional stakeholder coordination.