Manufacturing Engineer – Industrial Automation & Robotics

New Berlin Plastics; New Berlin (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

New Berlin Plastics is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to lead the integration and optimization of industrial automation and robotics on the shop floor. You will program cobots, robot cells, vision systems, EOAT, and PLCs to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.

You will support new product launches, drive continuous improvement, and partner with cross-functional teams to bring automation projects from concept to production, mentoring technicians and documenting procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering or related field is required.
• Minimum 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in an industrial manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Robotic integration: program and integrate six-axis and Cartesian robots with platforms like Star Automation, Universal Robots, and Epson Robotics.
• Build and integrate robotic work cells with EOAT, vision systems, and safety cages.
• Production support: assist technicians with automation issues on the production floor.
• Root-cause problem solving for electrical, mechanical, and programming issues to minimize downtime.
• Product launches: contribute to new programs from concept through production.
• Continuous improvement: analyze cycle times, scrap rates, and reliability data to improve safety, quality, service, and cost.
• Design: develop 3D models for EOAT and fixtures using SolidWorks.
• PLC programming: write and optimize industrial PLC logic.
• HMI development: create intuitive operator interfaces.
• Safety compliance: implement and validate machine safety systems per standards.
• Training: lead technician/operator training on automation equipment.

Skills

Industrial automation

Robotics

Vision systems

PLC programming

HMI development

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

Star Robots

Universal Robots

Epson Robotics

Keyence

Cognex Vision

SolidWorks

ProE (Creo)

Job description

Manufacturing Engineer – Industrial Automation & Robotics

We are seeking a highly motivated Manufacturing Engineer to lead the integration and optimization of advanced industrial automation solutions within our manufacturing operations. This role will focus on implementing and supporting collaborative robots (cobots), industrial robotic systems, machine vision technologies, end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), and automated manufacturing equipment to improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational efficiency.

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for supporting new product launches, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and providing technical support to production operations. This role partners closely with cross‑functional teams to improve overall manufacturing performance while supporting key business objectives.

The ideal candidate is a hands‑on engineer who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges and working cross‑functionally to bring automation projects from concept through implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Robotic Integration: Program and integrate six‑axis and Cartesian robots using platforms like Star Automation, Universal Robots, and Epson Robotics.
• Build: Build and integrate robotic work cells, including end‑of‑arm tooling, vision systems, and safety cages.
• Production Support: Assist technicians in automation related issues for current jobs running on the production floor.
• Root Cause Problem Solving: Troubleshoot and resolve electrical, mechanical, and programming issues at a root level to minimize production downtime.
• Product Launch: Concept, quote, and participate in new programs launching into production.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze cycle times, scrap rates, and equipment reliability data to modify existing processes and routings to realize improvements in Safety, Quality, Service, and Cost.
• Design: Develop 3D models for end‑of‑arm tooling, assembly fixture systems, and manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• PLC Programming: Write, configure, and optimize control logic for industrial PLC systems.
• HMI Development: Design intuitive interface screens that allow operators to interact with machines.
• Build: Build and integrate robotic work cells, including end‑of‑arm tooling, vision systems, and safety cages.
• Safety Compliance: Implement and validate machine safety systems, including light curtains, safety PLCs, and e‑stops, ensuring compliance with industrial standards.
• Training: Lead training initiatives for technicians and operators on automation equipment.
• Documentation Creation: Maintain accurate electrical schematics, bill of materials, user manuals, and standard operating procedures for assets designed and built.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree: Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience in industrial maintenance, automation/mechatronics, or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in an industrial manufacturing environment.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Experience with industrial robotics, vision systems, and safety system integration.
• Experience with Star Robots, Universal Robotics, and Keyence or Cognex Vision is a plus.
• Strong understanding of pneumatic, mechanical, and electromechanical systems.
• CAD Software proficiency (SolidWorks, ProE).
• PLC troubleshooting and programming.
• Knowledge of product design, fabrication, assembly, tooling, and testing.
• Strong analytical, project management, and documentation skills.
• Self‑motivated, hands‑on, team player with excellent communication skills.
• Cross‑functional collaboration
• Experience in injection molding is a plus

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead cutting‑edge automation initiatives
• Make a direct impact on productivity, quality, and safety
• Collaborative engineering environment with opportunities for professional growth
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package