Senior Automation Engineer

Westlake Chemical Corp.; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits day one

Medical/dental/vision insurance

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, improving plant safety and performance while collaborating with engineering, operations, IT, and manufacturing teams to deliver practical, high-impact solutions.

You will work in a hands-on manufacturing environment, partnering with cross-functional teams to identify automation opportunities, manage

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 10+ years in manufacturing engineering.
• 5+ years in automation, capital projects, design and equipment integration.
• Hands-on PLC/HMI programming and robotics experience.
• Strong project leadership, troubleshooting and communication skills.
• Experience with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment and documentation.
• AutoCAD experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept through startup.
• Develop solutions to improve safety, reliability, productivity, and efficiency.
• Identify automation and AI opportunities with cross-functional teams.
• Manage scope, schedule, budget, risk, and stakeholder communication.
• Perform feasibility studies and technical assessments for sound decisions.
• Troubleshoot complex issues and provide post-implementation support.
• Provide technical guidance and training to plant teams.
• Collaborate with production teams to implement process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Troubleshooting

Communication

PPE safety

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PLC/HMI programming

Ladder logic

Industrial robotics (FANUC/ABB/KUKA)

AutoCAD

Job description

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 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.

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