Manufacturing Automation Engineer

Powerus; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Powerus is seeking a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to design, build, and commission automated equipment for aircraft assembly and test. The role covers fixture design, PLC and motion control, machine vision, and station integration to reduce manual steps and increase line throughput at Rock Hill, SC.

Candidates should have hands-on experience designing and commissioning automated production equipment, PLC programming (Allen-Bradley or Siemens), and 3D CAD for fixtures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience designing and commissioning automated production equipment.
• Experience programming PLCs and working with robotics and fixtures.
• Familiarity with machine safety standards and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Identify automation opportunities and develop business cases.
• Design automated stations, fixtures, and tooling.
• Program PLCs and motion controllers; integrate vision systems.
• Connect stations to manufacturing systems for traceability and data collection.
• Commission equipment and validate cycle time, capability, and safety.
• Write procedures and train staff; support continuous improvement.

Skills

PLC programming

Industrial robots

3D CAD

Machine safety

Manufacturing processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, or manufacturing engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Job description

About PowerusPowerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-consequence environments. The company combines advanced autonomy, manufacturing capability, operational expertise, and strategic acquisitions to support defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations globally.MissionOur mission is to deliver resilient autonomous technologies that strengthen national security, improve operational safety, and expand the capabilities of organizations operating in complex environments.

About the Role

Why Join PowerusPowerus assembly and test operations at Rock Hill began as manual processes sized for low-rate production. As rate increases, manual steps in assembly, test, and material handling set line throughput.This role builds the equipment that removes those constraints: fixtures, automated test stations, and robotic cells. Process ownership remains with process engineering; this role designs, delivers, and commissions the hardware and controls.Position OverviewPowerus is seeking a Manufacturing Automation Engineer to design, build, and commission automated and semi-automated equipment for aircraft assembly and test. The role spans fixture design, PLC and motion control, machine vision, and station integration.

Responsibilities

• Identify assembly, test, and handling operations suitable for automation and develop the business case
• Design automated and semi-automated stations, including fixtures, end effectors, and tooling
• Program PLCs, motion controllers, and collaborative robots
• Integrate vision systems, torque tools, and test instruments into automated stations
• Connect stations to manufacturing systems for traceability and data collection
• Commission equipment and validate cycle time, capability, and safety
• Write operating procedures and train production and maintenance staff
• Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement of installed automation

Qualifications

• Must be located in the United States, within commuting distance of Rock Hill, SC
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, or manufacturing engineering, or equivalent practical experience
• Experience designing and commissioning automated production equipment
• Experience programming PLCs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent)
• Experience with industrial or collaborative robots
• Proficiency in 3D CAD for fixture and tooling design
• Working knowledge of machine safety standards and risk assessment
• U.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)); this role involves access to ITAR- and EAR-controlled technical data

Required Skills

Not specified.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with machine vision systems
• Experience automating electronics or electromechanical assembly
• Experience with Python or C# for station software
• Experience with MES integration
• Experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing
• Active or prior U.S. security clearance

Pay range and compensation package

Not specified.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Equal Opportunity StatementPowerus is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and mission-driven workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.