Controls/Automation Engineer

armtecdefensetechnologies; East Camden (AR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Armtec Defense Technologies is seeking a Controls/Automation Engineer to develop and lead automation systems for production, enhancing precision, safety and quality. The role reports to the Engineer Lead and requires hands-on design of automation equipment and tooling for new and existing products in Camden, AR.

Responsibilities include coordinating with program management, R&D and management to justify capital expenditures and ROI, scheduling projects, and overseeing both internal and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering with automation experience.
• Strong PLC/HMI programming and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with automation design for production equipment.
• Familiarity with CAD systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of automation systems and tooling for production.
• Collaborate with PM, R&D, and engineering for automation projects.
• Prepare plans for infrastructure improvements and ROI.
• Coordinate schedules for bids, internal studies and projects.
• Estimate tooling/equipment costs and statements of work.
• Oversee make/buy decisions and outsourced system design.
• Supervise installation and support maintenance and quality.
• Stay informed on new technologies and potential applications.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI programming

Troubleshooting

CAD systems

Education

BS in Electrical/Mechanical Eng

Tools

CAD

Job description

Controls/Automation Engineer

Company Profile

Armtec Defense Technologies (Armtec) is an operating unit of the Transdigm Group (NYSE: TDG), an industry leader in aerospace and defense products and services. Armtec is comprised of three business units producing subcomponents for ordnance in Coachella, CA; decoy countermeasure flares in Camden AR; and radar countermeasure chaff in Lillington NC. At Armtec, we welcome skilled and enthusiastic people who share our determination and high standards to join us in our mission‑critical work supporting the US and allied war‑fighters who serve us all by defending democracy and protecting freedom. This position is staffed in Camden, on the Highland Industrial Park, where Armtec and several other major prime contractors produce defense energetics.

Job Overview

Title: Controls / Automation Engineer

Job Family: Engineers

Reports to: Engineer Lead

Works with: Mid‑level managers and supervisors, peer engineers and technicians, and suppliers.

Location: East Camden, AR

Type: Full Time

Job Summary

Develops automation systems for production, enhancing precision, safety and quality.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead Designer of Automation Systems, Automation Equipment and Automation tooling for new and existing products for production.
• Assists Program Management and R&D with automation, controls, electrical, and mechanical expertise required for automation of production equipment and special tooling, test tools and methods, and new process study and research.
• Coordinates effectively with Program Managers, R&D, Engineering and Management to prepare detailed plans for infrastructure improvement, capital expenditure requests, financial and economic justification, and return on investment.
• Conducts scheduling and coordination between different groups for special projects, bids and proposals, and internal funded studies and projects.
• Responsible for equipment improvement and redesign for increasing the general efficiency of production programs.
• Prepares cost estimates and statement of works for tooling and equipment.
• Assists with make/buy decisions and oversees the design and build process for outsourced systems.
• Supervises the installation of equipment and tooling. Supports Maintenance, Production, and Quality.
• Stays informed concerning new technologies, materials and equipment, and investigates potential applications.
• Maintain the highest ethical standards, even when challenged from above.
• Understand and live by Esterline’s ethics and business conduct policies.

Qualifications

• Solid understanding of PLC and HMI programming.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems.
• Creative and self‑motivated individual.
• Detail‑oriented approach to problem‑solving.
• Ability to communicate well to other members of the development team.
• Good math skills, computer skills, and knowledge of measuring instruments and methods.
• Capable of integrating existing methods with new innovations to economically solve problems in a timely manner.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering science with five plus years of automation engineering experience required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience totaling ten or more years in automation engineering.
• Knowledge of CAD systems preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and people skills required.
• Must be dependable, responsible, and accurate and have the ability to deal with people effectively.
• Ability to work independently, following both written and verbal instructions; capable of effectively handling ambiguity.

Education/Previous Experience Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or Permanent Resident Alien Status required
• BS degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial Engineering, and/or Physical Sciences.
• Energetics experience preferred.
• DOD experience preferred.
• 5 years of experience in an energetics manufacturing environment preferred.
• Self‑motivated professional with demonstrated maturity and a good sense of responsibility.
• Good communication skills and high degree of integrity.
• Able to interface and work productively with all employees.
• Ability to read and write English and compute college level mathematics, including statistics.
• Strong interest in pure and applied research to improve product quality and reduce operational costs in all stages of manufacturing.
• Sound ability to analyze data and write technical reports.

Work Hours

4/10 workweek