Onsite Automation Engineer – Manufacturing Innovation

KARIER

Staunton (VA)

On-site

USD 85,000 - 115,000

Full time

10 days ago

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Job summary

Cadence in Staunton, VA is seeking an Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automated production systems onsite. You will work with cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, and efficiency while supporting FAT, commissioning, and production releases, with flexibility for 24/7 operations.

Candidates should have 5+ years in automation in manufacturing, a related bachelor's, and experience with PLC/HMI, robotics, and safety systems.

Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of Automation Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Automation Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field preferred.
Experience with PLC and HMI programming, troubleshooting, and system integration.
Experience with industrial robotics, motion control systems, and automated manufacturing equipment.
Knowledge of industrial networking and communication protocols.
Strong understanding of machine safety principles, controls architecture, and manufacturing processes.
Proven ability to troubleshoot complex automation and equipment issues using structured problem-solving methods.
Strong project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and integrate automated manufacturing equipment and production systems.
Program, troubleshoot, and support PLCs, HMIs, robotics, servo systems, vision systems, sensors, drives, and machine controls.
Develop automation concepts, control architectures, sequence-of-operation documents, and equipment specifications.
Support FAT, commissioning, startup, validation, and production release activities.
Troubleshoot automation, controls, robotics, electrical, communication, and equipment performance issues to improve uptime and reliability.
Analyze downtime and production data, perform root-cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
Support robotic applications including material handling, assembly, machine tending, automated inspection, and other manufacturing processes.
Design and implement machine safety systems, including safety PLCs, light curtains, interlocks, scanners, and emergency-stop systems.
Partner with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and external suppliers to support manufacturing operations and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead or support automation projects from concept through implementation while managing project scope, timelines, costs, and technical requirements.
Evaluate and implement emerging automation technologies to improve productivity, quality, and manufacturing capability.