Senior Automation Architect: PLC, Robotics & IIoT Leader

Katalyst CRO

Florence (SC)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 180,000

Full time

11 days ago

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Job summary

Katalyst CRO is seeking an experienced Automation & Controls Lead in Florence, SC to design, develop, and deploy advanced automation for manufacturing. You’ll serve as SME for PLC architecture, HMI, motion control, robotics, and machine safety, driving strategy and modernization initiatives.

You will lead capital projects from concept through commissioning, define hardware specs, and ensure lifecycle support.

Qualifications

8+ years of experience in manufacturing automation, controls engineering, robotics integration, or industrial equipment development.
Proven experience leading automation capital projects from concept and technical specification through production implementation.
Demonstrated expertise in PLC programming, robot programming, machine safety, controls architecture, and manufacturing system integration.
Experience supporting high-volume or complex industrial manufacturing environments with production-critical equipment.
Experience managing automation suppliers, system integrators, equipment builders, and technical service partners.

Responsibilities

Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced automation and controls systems for manufacturing operations.
Serve as the subject matter expert for PLC architecture, HMI development, motion control, robotics, industrial networks, and machine safety systems.
Develop automation strategies supporting factory modernization, capacity expansion, productivity improvement, and operational excellence objectives.
Lead automation capital projects from concept development, technical specification, and business case approval through commissioning and production stabilization.
Perform controls architecture design, hardware specification, programming standards development, system validation, and lifecycle support planning.
Manage industrial robot integration, robot programming, end-of-arm tooling requirements, cell optimization, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance strategies.
Coordinate cross-functional teams including Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, EHS, IT/OT, Supply Chain, and external automation suppliers.
Lead equipment procurement activities including RFQ development, supplier evaluations, technical bid reviews, FAT, SAT, and final acceptance activities.
Establish automation and controls standards across manufacturing operations to improve system reliability, maintainability, cybersecurity, and supportability.
Drive digital manufacturing initiatives including IIoT connectivity, data collection, machine monitoring, remote diagnostics, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
Support new product introductions through process automation, assembly equipment development, manufacturing system integration, and production readiness activities.
Identify productivity improvement opportunities through robotics, vision systems, automated material handling, error-proofing, and equipment modernization.
Analyze equipment performance metrics and implement corrective actions to improve OEE, downtime reduction, throughput, labor efficiency, and yield.
Provide technical leadership during equipment installation, startup, debugging, safety validation, commissioning, operator training, and production ramp-up.
Coach engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel in automation, robotics, controls troubleshooting, and structured problem-solving best practices.