Senior Automation Engineer – Custom Machinery & Robotics

Energy Jobline ZR; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CMD Corporation in Appleton, WI, is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design and develop custom automated machinery and robotic work cells. You will partner with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver reliable automation solutions.

The ideal candidate holds a mechanical engineering degree, 5+ years in machine design, and hands-on CAD experience with SolidWorks; travel to client sites is expected, and safety standards compliance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in machine design, automation engineering, robotics integration, or custom equipment development.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Experience designing automated machinery, tooling, fixtures, and mechanical systems.
• Working knowledge of industrial automation, robotics, motion control, PLCs, HMIs, and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic drawings.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to support customer meetings, installations, and commissioning activities.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom automated machinery, machine assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and robotic work cells.
• Create machine layouts, 3D CAD models, detail drawings, and bills of materials using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Develop automation solutions for manufacturing, assembly, material handling, case packing, palletizing, inspection, and other applications.
• Evaluate and select mechanical, pneumatic, robotic, and automation components based on performance, cost, and reliability requirements.
• Collaborate with Controls Engineers to define system architecture, machine operation, safety requirements, and equipment functionality.
• Support robotic integrations, including robot selection, reach studies, payload analysis, and end-of-arm tooling design.
• Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and project planning activities to define requirements and present technical solutions.
• Prepare concepts, specifications, technical documentation, engineering estimates, and project support materials.
• Assist manufacturing and assembly teams with troubleshooting, design improvements, and technical problem resolution.
• Support machine testing, validation, FAT, installation, and commissioning activities.
• Review mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and controls documentation to ensure proper system integration.
• Maintain engineering documentation, drawings, change records, and design standards.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable safety, quality, and industry standards.
• Research emerging technologies and recommend improvements to increase machine performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Travel to customer locations as needed to support project development, installation, startup, and technical support activities.

Skills

Mechanical design

Automation systems

Robotics integration

PLC/HMI knowledge

Project management

Communication

Customer collaboration

Problem solving

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Equivalent experience may be considered

Tools

SolidWorks

FANUC robotics

Rockwell Automation/Beckhoff platforms

PLCs & HMIs

Job description

CMD Corporation in Appleton, WI, is seeking an experienced Automation Engineer to design and develop custom automated machinery and robotic work cells. You will partner with customers and cross-functional teams to deliver reliable automation solutions.

The ideal candidate holds a mechanical engineering degree, 5+ years in machine design, and hands-on CAD experience with SolidWorks; travel to client sites is expected, and safety standards compliance is required.