Mechatronics Support Engineer

AFL; Duncan (SC); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off policy

401K Company match

Professional development and training

Job summary

AFL is seeking a Mechatronics Support Engineer to act as a technical liaison for manufacturing, maintenance, and process engineering. You will be responsible for troubleshooting complex equipment issues, driving operational effectiveness, and mentoring technicians.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's in engineering, with 7-10 years of experience in complex manufacturing environments. Strong skills in mechanical systems, electrical systems, and PLC programming are essential for success in this role. A hybrid work model is offered along with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• 7 – 10+ years of experience supporting complex manufacturing equipment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems.
• Experience with Variable Frequency Drives and motion control.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced troubleshooting and technical support for manufacturing equipment.
• Support root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Assist in prioritizing equipment improvement opportunities.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Industrial controls

Automation technologies

PLC troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline

Tools

PLC systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, GE)

HMI development tools

SCADA systems

Job description

AFL manufactures industry‑leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $2B in revenue, and employ approximately 11,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer

• A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees
• Flexible time off policy
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

The Mechatronics Support Engineer serves as the primary technical liaison between Manufacturing, Maintenance, Process Engineering, and the Mechatronics Engineering organization. This role provides advanced troubleshooting, technical support, equipment optimization, and project execution assistance for complex manufacturing equipment.

The Mechatronics Support Engineer is responsible for diagnosing and resolving complex mechanical, electrical, controls, motion, vision, and automation issues while driving equipment reliability, performance, maintainability, and operational effectiveness. This position works closely with Maintenance and Process Engineering teams to identify opportunities for improvement, implement sustainable corrective actions, and execute equipment upgrades and modernization initiatives.

The successful candidate will possess substantial hands‑on experience with complex manufacturing equipment and demonstrate a proven ability to improve machine performance through technical problem solving, equipment enhancements, and continuous improvement activities.

Essential Responsibilities

Technical Support & Troubleshooting

• Serve as the primary engineering resource for advanced equipment troubleshooting and problem resolution.
• Diagnose complex electrical, controls, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, vision, and motion control issues.
• Support root cause analysis (RCA) efforts and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions, as assigned.
• Provide technical support for chronic equipment issues, recurring downtime events, and process instability.
• Support Maintenance personnel during major equipment failures and recovery efforts.
• Escalate issues to Mechatronics Engineering leadership when additional engineering resources are required.

Controls & Automation Support

• Troubleshoot PLC, HMI, SCADA, industrial networking, vision systems, motion control systems, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs).
• Assist in maintaining software backups, revision control, and documentation for supported equipment.
• Support implementation of controls and automation improvements developed by the Mechatronics Engineering team.
• Provide technical expertise on automation platforms including Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, GE/RX3i, and related technologies.

Cross-Functional Support

• Represent the Mechatronics Engineering department within Maintenance and Process Engineering activities.
• Act as a technical liaison between Maintenance, Operations, Process Engineering, and Mechatronics Engineering.
• Assist in prioritizing equipment improvement opportunities based on business impact.
• Support operational excellence, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in equipment performance reviews and improvement planning activities.

Training & Mentorship

• Mentor Maintenance Technicians, Engineering Technicians, and Process Technicians in troubleshooting methodologies and equipment operation.
• Develop technical standards, troubleshooting guides, and best practices.
• Conduct training related to controls systems, drives, vision systems, and machine operation. (OJT or classroom)

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Electrical or Mechanical, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline; or an equivalent combination of advanced military technical training and progressive hands‑on experience supporting, troubleshooting, and improving complex manufacturing or industrial automation equipment.
• 7 – 10+ years of demonstrated experience supporting, troubleshooting, improving, or maintaining complex manufacturing equipment.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, electrical systems, industrial controls, and automation technologies.
• Experience with PLC troubleshooting and programming including Allen‑Bradley, Siemens, GE, or equivalent platforms.
• Experience with HMI development and troubleshooting.
• Experience with industrial networking architectures and communications protocols.
• Experience with Variable Frequency Drives, servo systems, motion control, and machine synchronization.
• Demonstrated success implementing machine upgrades, enhancements, and performance improvements.
• Strong root cause analysis and structured problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Preferred

• Experience with machine vision systems and intelligent sensors.
• Experience utilizing CMMS systems and equipment reliability metrics.
• Experience in cable manufacturing, wire manufacturing, telecommunications manufacturing, or other highly automated industrial environments.
• Experience leading equipment modernization and obsolescence replacement projects.
• Familiarity with predictive maintenance technologies and reliability engineering practices.