Automations Engineer

Socket.dev; Middlesex (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev seeks an interdisciplinary engineer to design, prototype, and integrate automated food-manufacturing systems, bridging mechanical, electrical, and software domains.

You will work on sensors, PLC/HMI, SCADA, data analytics, and ML for predictive maintenance, with opportunities to apply Python, C++, and CAD tools in real-world projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field (or graduation within 6 months).
• Introductory experience or coursework in CAD (SolidWorks or AutoCAD).
• Programming experience in Python, C++, or MATLAB.
• Instrumentation and control systems knowledge and hands-on troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, modeling, and prototyping of process and packaging systems.
• Support testing, assembly, and commissioning of prototypes under supervision.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and process flow diagrams.
• Specify, install, and troubleshoot sensors, actuators, and instrumentation for food manufacturing systems.
• Participate in wiring, panel layout, and field testing activities.
• Support integration, programming, and troubleshooting of PLC/HMI and SCADA systems.
• Contribute to coding and testing of automation or AI-driven routines (predictive maintenance, data monitoring, optimization).
• Assist with sensor data collection, labeling, and preprocessing for machine learning models.
• Work on projects using Python, C++, or similar to interface with hardware systems.

Skills

Python

C++

MATLAB

PLC programming

Instrumentation and control systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Science, or related engineering field

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Ignition

Wonderware

WinCC

Studio 5000

SCADA systems

Job description

As part of our cross-functional engineering team, you will contribute to both mechanical and electrical

systems as well as develop and integrate AI-enabled systems, bridging the gap between traditional

process engineering and smart automation technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the design, modeling, and prototyping of process and packaging systems.
• Support testing, assembly, and commissioning of prototypes under supervision.
• Read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and process flow diagrams.
• Specify, install, and troubleshoot sensors, actuators, and instrumentation for food manufacturing systems.
• Participate in wiring, panel layout, and field testing activities.
• Support integration, programming, and troubleshooting of PLC/HMI and SCADA systems.
• Contribute to coding and testing of automation or AI-driven routines (predictive maintenance, data monitoring, optimization).
• Assist with sensor data collection, labeling, and preprocessing for machine learning models.
• Work on projects using Python, C++, or similar to interface with hardware systems.
• Maintain accurate documentation including test reports, wiring diagrams, and engineering logs.
• Ensure safe and organized work areas in labs and on production floors.
• Participate in system commissioning and troubleshooting at customer sites when required.
• Uphold SQF requirements including promotion of a strong & positive food safety culture
• Active involvement in implementation, upkeep and continuous improvement of food safety as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Stewardship for our B-corp mission to promote worldwide health and wellness by fostering the delivery of high quality, healthy foods through sustainable methods.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to develop and test automated food manufacturing equipment
• Machine learning integration in industrial environments
• Industry codes, standards, and best practices (UL, CE, ISA, etc.)
• Real-world project execution from concept to commissioning
• Microwave and other electrical thermal processing technologies

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, Computer Science, or a related engineering field (or graduation within 6 months).
• Introductory experience or coursework in:
  • CAD (SolidWorks or AutoCAD)
  • Programming (Studio 5000, Python, C++, or MATLAB)
  • Instrumentation and control systems
• Controls integration with field devices (sensors, VFDs, flow meters, actuators).
• Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, OPC UA).
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical/automation systems in a production environment.
• Hands-on mindset; comfortable using tools and learning in the field.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn from a multidisciplinary team.
• Active passport or ability to obtain one within the first 6 months.

Preferred (but not required):

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in automation, instrumentation, or controls engineering.
• Familiarity with SCADA/HMI systems (Ignition, Wonderware, or WinCC).
• Experience with data collection and integration from PLC/SCADA systems into historians, MES, or cloud platforms.
• Working knowledge of machine learning concepts and data analytics (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, SQL).
• Practical applications of ML in industrial settings (predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, process optimization).
• Experience developing middleware or APIs to connect automation platforms with data pipelines.
• Prior internships, capstone projects, or personal projects involving automation, robotics, or controls.
• Basic electronics experience (soldering, sensor setup, instrumentation wiring).
• Knowledge of OSHA safety standards and industrial safety practices.
• Experience in food & beverage or other regulated manufacturing environments is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work on the floor in a manufacturing setting; frequent walking and standing required.
• Ability to work in hot, cold, or wet environments.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Flexibility to alternate between hands‑on manufacturing work and office‑based programming/data analysis.
• Comfortable working in environments with shifting priorities and ambiguity.