Lead Automation Projects Engineer — Lights-Out Manufacturing

VulcanForms Inc.; Ayer (MA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity package

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Generous PTO

Job summary

VulcanForms Inc. seeks a Senior Automation Projects Engineer to lead mid-to-large scale automation initiatives, aiming for lights-out capabilities across production facilities.

You will bridge strategic capacity needs with on-floor deployment, managing timelines, vendors, and cross-functional deliverables. The role requires 5+ years in automation, a relevant engineering degree, and strong robotics/PLC expertise, with a track record of production-ready deployments and excellent stakeholder

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience leading automation projects, systems integration, or industrial engineering initiatives in a production environment.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Robotics Engineering.
• Proven track record of taking automation systems from vendor design reviews through to 24/7 production release.
• Strong technical background in industrial robotics, PLC architectures, and safety systems integration.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for managing external system vendors and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Manage end-to-end deployment cycles for complex automation projects, ensuring milestones are delivered on time, within budget, and to safety specifications.
• Vendor & Partner Management: Scope, evaluate, and manage external automation integrators and equipment manufacturers, holding them accountable to SOW deliverables.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Collaborate with stakeholders to translate engineering data into clear automation projects and goals for factory operations teams.
• Standardization & Quality: Support automation standards to ensure interoperability between machinery, robotics networks, and MES/PLM/ERP to optimize OEE.

Skills

Project leadership

Automation experience

Robotics

PLC architectures

Safety systems

Vendor management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Robotics Engineering

Job description

VulcanForms Inc. seeks a Senior Automation Projects Engineer to lead mid-to-large scale automation initiatives, aiming for lights-out capabilities across production facilities.

You will bridge strategic capacity needs with on-floor deployment, managing timelines, vendors, and cross-functional deliverables. The role requires 5+ years in automation, a relevant engineering degree, and strong robotics/PLC expertise, with a track record of production-ready deployments and excellent stakeholder