Senior Automation Engineer

RowanEDC Partnership; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits day one

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Retirement contribution

Life and AD&D insurance

Paid vacation

Tuition assistance

Fitness reimbursement

Career growth

Job summary

Westlake Royal Building Products seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to drive automation strategy across our building products manufacturing operations. You will execute projects from concept through commissioning, enhance safety, reliability, and efficiency, and collaborate with engineering, operations, IT, and manufacturing teams to implement high-impact solutions.

This hands-on role requires a strong background in PLC/HMI programming, robotics, and project leadership, with travel approximately

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

PLC/HMI programming

Ladder logic

Industrial robotics (FANUC ABB KUKA)

Project leadership

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

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.