Onsite Automation Engineer: PLCs, Robotics & Systems

SMS group USA; Washington (Washington County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision coverage

401k with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

SMS group USA is seeking a skilled Automation Engineer to support technical services and integrate new automation across welding, machining, and data reporting in a multi-site environment (Washington, PA; Taylor, MI; Gary, IN) with travel up to 25% domestically and internationally when required.

You will design PLC systems, back up PLCs, troubleshoot issues, ensure safety, and document actions across locations to minimize downtime. Strong PLC and electrical knowledge is essential.

Qualifications

• Technical diploma, apprenticeship, or equivalent in industrial electrical technology or automation.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting industrial electrical systems and control circuits.
• Ability to interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Working knowledge of PLCs, industrial I/O, motor controls, and AC/DC circuits.
• Familiarity with digital and analog signal testing and electrical test instruments.
• Strong analytical, communication, documentation, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently at industrial facilities and travel as required.
• Commitment to safe work practices including lockout/tagout.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and repair industrial electrical systems, control panels, motor controls, and automated machinery.
• Diagnose PLC hardware, processor faults, ladder logic, communication networks, and I/O problems.
• Use PLC programming software to monitor logic, review diagnostics, and identify control system faults.
• Troubleshoot digital and analog signals, sensors, transmitters, actuators, and field wiring.
• Diagnose industrial communication issues involving PLCs, remote I/O, VFDs, HMIs, and industrial devices.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, ladder diagrams, and panel layouts.
• Perform electrical measurements using multimeters, clamp meters, and appropriate signal testing equipment.
• Support equipment installation, commissioning, preventative maintenance, and repairs, including creating, organizing and storing system backups.
• Document troubleshooting findings, corrective actions, and service recommendations.
• Follow applicable electrical safety, lockout/tagout, and workshop procedures.
• Troubleshooting issues during the manufacturing process and modifying PLCs as needed.
• Scheduling, overseeing, and documenting preventative maintenance and software updated for equipment.
• Train staff on the implementation and operation of automation systems and tools
• Work with internal departments (IT, digital, electrical, business systems) to allow automated data collection and production monitoring tools to communicate with other business systems within the organization

Skills

PLC troubleshooting

Electrical safety

Schematic interpretation

Independent work

Travel willingness

Education

Technical diploma or equivalent (industrial electrical)

Mechatronics degree preferred

Tools

Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley

Studio 5000 Logix Designer

RSLogix 5/5000

RSLinx Classic

FactoryTalk Linx

Siemens SIMATIC STEP 7 / TIA Portal

Job description

SMS group USA is seeking a skilled Automation Engineer to support technical services and integrate new automation across welding, machining, and data reporting in a multi-site environment (Washington, PA; Taylor, MI; Gary, IN) with travel up to 25% domestically and internationally when required.

You will design PLC systems, back up PLCs, troubleshoot issues, ensure safety, and document actions across locations to minimize downtime. Strong PLC and electrical knowledge is essential.