Automation Systems Engineer: Robotics, PLCs & Vision

OPW Global; Elon (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

OPW Global is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, program, integrate, and support automated assembly and testing equipment. You will work cross-functionally with manufacturing engineering, maintenance, quality, and production teams to move automation projects from concept through commissioning and provide ongoing production support.

The role requires hands-on PLC and robotics experience, HMI development, vision system integration, and a strong focus on safety and quality in a high-volume

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs in an industrial/manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience programming industrial robots and integrating them into automated systems.
• Working knowledge of electrical schematics, ladder logic, structured text, and function block programming.
• Understanding of pneumatics, sensors (photo eyes, proximity, encoders), servo/motion control, and machine safety circuits.
• Experience with HMI development platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose mechanical, electrical, and software issues under time pressure.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and P&IDs.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and debug PLC programs for assembly automation equipment.
• Program and integrate industrial robots for pick-and-place and other tasks.
• Develop HMI screens and operator interfaces for machine control.
• Integrate vision systems for part inspection and quality verification.
• Configure and troubleshoot servo motion systems, VFDs, and motor drives.
• Collaborate with design engineers to ensure controls feasibility.
• Develop technical specifications for new automation equipment.
• Lead vendor evaluation and project management from kickoff to FAT/SAT.
• Provide technical support for installed equipment and root-cause analysis.
• Identify and implement improvements to increase uptime and OEE.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial robots

HMI development

Schematic reading

Troubleshooting

Pneumatics

Sensors & encoders

Motion control

Reading drawings

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

FANUC programming

Universal Robots

EtherNet/IP

Profinet

Keyence Vision

3D CAD (Inventor/SolidWorks)

Job description

OPW Global is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, program, integrate, and support automated assembly and testing equipment. You will work cross-functionally with manufacturing engineering, maintenance, quality, and production teams to move automation projects from concept through commissioning and provide ongoing production support.

The role requires hands-on PLC and robotics experience, HMI development, vision system integration, and a strong focus on safety and quality in a high-volume