Digital Process Automation Engineer

Charter Dura-Bar; Woodstock (IL); On-site; USD 82,000 - 102,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with employer matching and profit sharing

Company-paid life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

A leading manufacturing firm in Woodstock, Illinois is seeking a Digital Process Automation Engineer to enhance plant operations and workflows. You will develop and deploy automation solutions, integrate operational systems with enterprise platforms, and mentor junior staff. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in a relevant field and 3–6 years of experience. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package and a salary range of $82,000-$102,500 annually.

Qualifications

• 3–6 years of experience in automation, OT systems, or software development.
• Experience integrating systems using APIs, databases, and automation tools.
• Familiarity with Agile or DevOps methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and enhance MES solutions, production workflows, and system integrations.
• Develop and deploy end-to-end automation solutions using software automation platforms.
• Mentor junior team members and support citizen developers.

Skills

Programming languages (C#, Python, JavaScript, SQL)

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field

Tools

MES systems

Software automation platforms

BI tools (Power BI, Tableau)

Job description

Charter Manufacturing is a fourth‑generation family‑owned business where our will to grow drives us to do it better. Join the team and become part of our family!

The Automation team at Charter Casting is hiring a Digital Process Automation Engineer!

Alternative Job Titles

• Manufacturing Automation Engineer
• MES & Automation Engineer
• OT Systems Automation Engineer
• Digital Automation Engineer
• Manufacturing Systems Engineer

Charter Casting is a U.S.‑based manufacturer of large complex iron castings and DuraBar®, the industry’s leading continuous cast iron bar. Charter Casting is a member of the Charter Manufacturing family of companies.

Job Summary

Play a key role in advancing digital manufacturing by designing and delivering integrated solutions that improve plant operations and business processes. You will partner with Operations, Engineering, and cross‑functional teams to turn process improvement opportunities into scalable solutions across MES, software automation platforms, and analytics environments.

Position specifics

• Location: Woodstock IL
• Work Model: Onsite
• Travel: Up to 10% to other Charter Manufacturing facilities
• Relocation: Relocation benefits available
• Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. Charter Manufacturing is unable to sponsor for employment visas at this time

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop, and enhance MES solutions, production workflows, and system integrations
• Integrate OT systems with ERP and other enterprise platforms
• Develop and deploy end‑to‑end automation solutions using software automation platforms
• Analyze processes, identify improvement opportunities, and deliver scalable digital solutions
• Lead multiple concurrent process optimization initiatives across OT systems and automation platforms
• Build scalable automation workflows and reusable components
• Develop dashboards and analytics solutions that support process improvement
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and cross‑functional stakeholders to define requirements and deliver solutions
• Mentor junior team members and support citizen developers
• Ensure adherence to SDLC, governance, security, and compliance standards
• Support deployment, commissioning, and validation in production environments
• Maintain data integrity, consistency, documentation, version control, and solution traceability
• Drive user adoption and support change management for new solutions
• Follow Environmental, Quality, and Safety Management System requirements
• Support systems operating in a 24/7 manufacturing environment as needed

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 3–6 years of experience in automation, OT systems, or software development
• Experience with programming languages (C#, Python, JavaScript, SQL, or similar)
• Experience with either MES systems or software automation platforms
• Experience with GenAI platforms and tools
• Experience integrating systems using APIs, databases, and automation tools
• Strong analytical, communication, and problem‑solving skills

Nice to haves

• Experience with both MES systems and software automation platforms
• Experience with MES platforms such as Rockwell FactoryTalk ProductionCentre
• Experience with software automation platforms, preferably Automation Anywhere
• Experience with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau)
• Knowledge of integration methods and technologies across systems such as ERP, MES, and controls layers
• Experience with database and data tools such as Microsoft SQL Server (MSSQL), Snowflake data lake, and Alteryx
• Familiarity with Agile or DevOps methodologies
• Experience in manufacturing or industrial environments
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies

Compensation and Benefits

The annual hiring range for this position is $82,000-$102,500. The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will depend on various factors, including but not limited to job‑related skills, experience, and qualifications. Compensation decisions are tailored to the unique circumstances of each position and candidate.

We offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits, along with a 401(k) plan that includes employer matching and profit sharing. Additionally, we offer company‑paid life insurance, disability coverage, and paid time off (PTO).