Senior Automation Engineer

Westlake Management Services, Inc.; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k) match

Retirement contribution

Life/AD&D insurance

Paid vacation

Tuition assistance

Fitness reimbursement

Career growth

Job summary

Westlake Royal Building Products is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to drive automation strategy across our manufacturing operations. You will lead projects from concept through commissioning, partnering with engineering, operations, and IT to deliver practical, high-impact solutions.

This hands-on role requires deep PLC/HMI and robotics expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and a focus on safety and efficiency across multiple sites.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years in automation, capital project management, engineering design, and equipment integration.
• Hands-on PLC/HMI and robotics experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and startup.
• Develop solutions to improve safety, reliability, productivity, and efficiency.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, IT, and project teams to identify automation opportunities.
• Manage scope, schedule, budget, risk, and stakeholder communications.
• Troubleshoot complex issues and provide post-implementation support.
• Provide technical guidance and training to plant teams.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify and implement process improvements through automation.

Skills

PLC/HMI programming

Ladder logic

Industrial robotics (FANUC/ABB/KUKA)

Project leadership

Troubleshooting

Technical documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

FANUC robotics

ABB robotics

KUKA robotics

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate. We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to help drive automation strategy and execution across our building products manufacturing operations. In this role, you will execute automation projects from concept through commissioning, improve plant safety and performance, and partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, IT, and manufacturing teams to implement practical, high-impact solutions. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer who thrives in a hands‑on manufacturing environment and wants to make a meaningful impact across multiple sites. Westlake Royal Building Products offers a broad range of exterior siding and trim solutions designed for beauty, durability, and low maintenance. Our innovative vinyl, composite, and specialty materials support residential and commercial construction across diverse styles and climates. We promote a culture centered on innovation, collaboration, and growth.

What You’ll Do

• Lead automation projects from concept and design through installation, commissioning, and startup.
• Develop solutions that improve safety, reliability, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, IT, and project teams to identify automation and AI opportunities.
• Manage scope, schedule, budget, risk, and stakeholder communication.
• Perform feasibility studies and technical assessments to support sound engineering decisions.
• Troubleshoot complex issues and provide post-implementation support.
• Provide technical guidance and training to plant teams.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify and implement process improvements through automation.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of experience in automation, capital project management, engineering design, and equipment integration.
• Hands‑on knowledge of PLC/HMI programming, ladder logic, and industrial robotics such as FANUC, ABB, or KUKA.
• Strong project leadership, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Experience with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, and technical documentation.
• AutoCAD experience is a plus.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to take on visible, high‑impact work in a hands‑on manufacturing environment. You’ll partner with cross‑functional teams, help shape automation strategy across multiple sites, and play a key role in driving meaningful operational improvement.

Work Environment & Travel

This role includes both office and plant‑floor work. Travel is expected approximately 40–50%, and candidates should be comfortable working in an industrial environment and using required PPE.

Competitive Pay & Benefits

Benefits effective day one.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Annual retirement contribution.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Paid vacation.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Fitness reimbursement program.
• Career growth and advancement opportunities.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day. Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions — from housing and construction, to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer.

For more information, visit the company's web site at www.westlake.com.

Westlake (NYSE: WLK) is a global diversified industrial company that manufactures and supplies essential products that enhance the daily lives of people around the globe. Our products, now under a One Westlake brand, supply the necessary building blocks for everyday products across housing and infrastructure, packaging and healthcare, and automotive and consumer goods.

Consumers gain the benefits of materials Westlake produces in products such as food packaging, medical devices, soaps and detergents, car interiors, fashion, toys, shoes, furniture, electronics, siding, stone veneer, windows, outdoor living, roofing, and pipe & fittings.

Westlake is proud to contribute to driving a sustainable future through the creation of essential products that are Enhancing Your Life Every Day®.

To view other career opportunities at Westlake and our family of companies, visit https://westlaketalent.com