Principal Manufacturing Automation Engineer

L3Harris Technologies; Palm Bay (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

L3Harris Technologies seeks a Senior Automation Controls Engineer to design and implement advanced automation systems for manufacturing. You will develop, program, and commission PLCs, HMIs, and motion controllers, integrating robotic cells and custom machinery.

Collaboration with multiple engineering teams ensures safety, performance, and reliability from concept through deployment. The role requires hands-on experience with industrial automation, machine design, and robotics, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation or related field with extensive experience.
• 10+ years designing and developing electrical and software controls for automation, robotics, or industrial equipment.
• Proficiency with ECAD tools (AutoCAD Electrical, ePlan).
• Experience with PLC programming languages and industrial automation platforms (e.g., Siemens, Beckhoff, Rockwell).
• Strong fundamentals in machine design, motion control, pneumatic actuation, and robotics integration.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automation equipment and control systems for tooling, fixtures, robotic cells, and custom machinery.
• Program, configure, and commission PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, and automation devices.
• Lead integration of robotic systems and perform system commissioning and testing.
• Provide on‑site support for installation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.

Skills

PLC programming

Robot integration

Motion control

Industrial automation

System commissioning

Electrical design

C# / Python

HMI development

Safety standards

Networking basics

Education

Bachelor’s in EE/Mechatronics

Graduate degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

ePlan

TIA Portal

Studio 5000

TwinCAT

WinCC

KUKA/FANUC/ABB robotics

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.
L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Senior Automation Controls Engineer

Job Code: 40552

Job Location: Palm Bay, FL

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

Job Description

L3Harris is searching for a Senior Automation Controls Engineer responsible for the design, development, integration, and support of advanced automation and robotic systems used within manufacturing operations. This role focuses on implementing custom automation solutions including robotic cells, special machinery, motion systems, and industrial control platforms. The engineer will apply strong controls, software, and manufacturing expertise to develop reliable, efficient systems that support production goals. This position requires hands‑on experience designing, programming, building, and commissioning automated equipment from concept through deployment. The engineer will collaborate across mechanical engineering, manufacturing, tooling, project management, and production teams to ensure that all systems meet functional, safety, and performance requirements.

Essential Functions

• Develop and design automation equipment and control systems for tooling, fixtures, robotic cells, and custom machinery
• Develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), assembly instructions, and technical documentation
• Program, configure, and commission PLCs, HMIs, motion controllers, and automation devices
• Design, program, and integrate robotic systems including external axes and end‑of‑arm tooling
• Provide production support for advanced automation equipment, including troubleshooting and reliability improvements
• Work with cross‑functional teams to define requirements and deliver complete automation solutions
• Ensure controls and software designs meet functionality requirements, safety codes, manufacturability standards, and project guidelines
• Participate in design reviews, prototyping, testing, and complete system integration
• Support the fabrication, assembly, debug, and installation of automation systems
• Provide onsite support for commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement activities
• Research and apply new components, devices, and automation technologies to improve system performance and cost‑effectiveness
• Lead initiatives that improve the reliability, throughput, and efficiency of manufacturing processes using automation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation, or related field and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience; Or, Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience; Or, in lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience
• 10+ years of experience designing and developing electrical and software controls for automation, robotics, or industrial equipment
• 10+ years of experience designing and supporting custom automation equipment, including implementing new automation technologies
• Proficiency with ECAD tools (AutoCAD Electrical, ePlan)
• Proficiency with PC‑based controls applications, operating systems, algorithm development, and programming expertise in any of the following: C#, Python, Java, Office VBA scripting, JavaScript, HTML5, SQL, Ladder Logic
• Proficiency in industrial automation platforms such as TIA Portal, Studio 5000, TwinCAT, or WinCC
• Experience programming PLCs and developing code from scratch (Siemens, Beckhoff, Rockwell)
• Strong understanding of machine design principles, motion control systems, and pneumatic actuation
• Hands‑on experience with manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and assembly
• Experience with industrial robotic systems (KUKA, FANUC, ABB, etc.) and overall robotic cell integration

Preferred Additional Skills

• Working knowledge of industrial automation safety and ergonomic standards
• Strong analytical, communication, and project coordination skills
• Ability to travel occasionally for customer or internal system installation support
• Experience working in a fast‑paced, custom automation environment
• Solid engineering fundamentals and practical troubleshooting skills
• Experience with vision systems (Cognex, Keyence, etc.)
• Experience with simulation tools for robotics or automation
• Familiarity with networking architectures (EtherNet/IP, Profibus, Profinet, EtherCAT)
• Knowledge of MES or production data acquisition systems
• Experience with high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing environments
• Certification in robotics or industrial automation disciplines
• Experience implementing Industry 4.0 / smart factory technologies
• Knowledge of safety PLCs and functional safety standards (ISO 13849, IEC 62061)
• Ability to mentor junior engineers and support technical leadership in automation strategy

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug‑free workplace and performs pre‑employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.
Many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.
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