Senior Automation Engineer

JMJ Phillip; Harvey (IL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

JMJ Phillip Group is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the development, implementation, and optimization of industrial automation systems. The ideal candidate will bring strong engineering expertise, troubleshooting skills, and experience improving manufacturing processes through automation and controls integration.

This role requires collaboration with manufacturing, maintenance, engineering, and operations teams to enhance reliability, efficiency, safety, and production performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechatronics/Automation field.
• Significant experience in industrial automation and controls.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, robotics, sensors, and control systems.
• Experience with integration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Familiarity with industrial protocols and manufacturing equipment.
• Strong analytical and project management skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and electrical schematics.
• Excellent collaboration across technical and operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, integration, and implementation of automation systems.
• Evaluate processes to improve efficiency through automation.
• Develop and optimize control systems, interfaces, and automated production processes.
• Support installation, commissioning, and validation of new automation equipment and technologies.
• Lead automation projects from planning through implementation and evaluation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, maintenance, engineering, and operations teams.
• Coordinate with equipment vendors and technical partners on upgrades and integration.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and other team members.

Skills

Automation engineering

PLC/SCADA systems

Robotics integration

System troubleshooting

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics/Automation

Tools

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA systems

Industrial networking

Job description

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead the development, implementation, and optimization of industrial automation systems. The ideal candidate will bring strong engineering expertise, advanced troubleshooting skills, and experience improving manufacturing processes through automation, controls integration, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role works closely with cross-functional teams to enhance equipment reliability, operational efficiency, safety, and production performance.

Position Responsibilities

Automation System Design and Implementation

• Lead the design, development, integration, and implementation of industrial automation systems.
• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency through automation.
• Develop and optimize control systems, equipment interfaces, and automated production processes.
• Support the installation, commissioning, and validation of new automation equipment and technologies.

Troubleshooting and System Optimization

• Diagnose and resolve complex automation, controls, and equipment issues.
• Analyze system performance and implement improvements to increase reliability, productivity, and product quality.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance initiatives to minimize equipment downtime.
• Conduct root cause analysis and develop corrective actions for recurring technical issues.

Project Management and Collaboration

• Lead automation projects from initial planning through implementation and performance evaluation.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, maintenance, engineering, and operations teams to meet project objectives.
• Coordinate with equipment vendors and technical partners on system upgrades and integration.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers, technicians, and other team members.

Safety and Continuous Improvement

• Ensure automation systems comply with applicable safety standards and engineering requirements.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on production efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.
• Maintain technical documentation, system specifications, and operating procedures.
• Stay current with emerging automation technologies and industry best practices.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Significant experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing systems.
• Strong knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, industrial robotics, sensors, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Experience with automation system integration, commissioning, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols and manufacturing equipment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, and technical documentation.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate across technical and operational teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Certifications (Preferred, but Not Required)

• Professional certifications in automation, controls engineering, or industrial systems.
• PLC programming or industrial robotics certifications.
• Training in industrial networking, motion control, or advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Project management, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma certifications.
• Relevant workplace safety training.

What the Role Offers

• Salary Range: $104,800–$144,100 per year.
• An opportunity to lead advanced automation projects in a manufacturing environment.
• The ability to improve production performance, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary engineering and operations teams.
• Opportunities for professional growth through technical leadership and exposure to emerging automation technologies.

Why Harvey?

Harvey offers access to an established industrial and manufacturing environment, providing opportunities for automation professionals to contribute to production technology, equipment modernization, and operational improvements. Its proximity to the broader Chicago metropolitan area provides access to a diverse industrial network and engineering talent, supporting collaboration, technical development, and long-term career growth.