Senior Automation Engineer – Industrial Automation

Percent; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Percent in Dudley, MA is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to lead and contribute to multiple automation projects across planning, design, construction, programming, commissioning, validation, and production release.

The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in industrial automation, PLC/HMI programming, robotics, and electromechanical systems for automated assembly. Onsite role supporting high-volume manufacturing with cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 7+ years of professional engineering experience in industrial automation or manufacturing.
• Experience with PLC programming, HMI development, robotics, and automated assembly.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering design and implementation of medium-to-large automation projects.
• Perform assessments, implement automation changes, and support runs.
• Identify automation opportunities and participate in planning through release.
• Develop innovative automation solutions for complex manufacturing challenges.
• Prepare cost estimates, proposals, requirements, and documentation.
• Manage multiple projects while meeting timelines and production objectives.

Skills

PLC programming

HMI development

Robotics programming

Electromechanical systems

Automated assembly

3D CAD

SOLIDWORKS

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

3D CAD tools

Job description

Job Title : Senior Automation Engineer Industrial Automation Location: Dudley, MA, Onsite Rate : Best competitive rate on w2 Visa status: USC/GC only Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Senior Automation Engineer to play a key strategic role in advancing eyewear assembly automation and manufacturing technologies. This position will lead and contribute to multiple phases of automation projects, including project planning, engineering design, construction, programming, commissioning, validation, and production release. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in industrial automation, PLC/HMI programming, robotics, electromechanical systems, and automated assembly processes. The Senior Automation Engineer will collaborate closely with manufacturing, process engineering, maintenance, quality, and other cross-functional teams to develop automation solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering design and implementation of medium-to-large automation projects supporting new product and technology introductions.
• Perform engineering assessments, implement automation system configuration changes, and support engineering and production runs.
• Identify automation opportunities and participate in project planning from concept through manufacturing release.
• Develop innovative solutions by adapting and applying automation engineering principles to complex manufacturing challenges.
• Prepare project cost estimates, technical proposals, engineering requirements, and supporting documentation.
• Manage multiple projects and engineering activities while meeting established timelines and production objectives.

Controls, PLC, HMI & Robotics

• Design and develop automation and machine-control systems, including:
• PLC programming
• HMI development
• Robotics programming and integration
• Electrical controls
• Safety systems
• Machine networking
• Develop PLC programs using Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
• Program and integrate 6-axis robotic systems and material-handling equipment.
• Develop detailed control schemes, electrical wiring diagrams, and system drawings.
• Establish network communication protocols for industrial control equipment.
• Develop mechanical and electronic controls integrating assembly stations, robotic handling systems, and conveyor systems.
• Create technical documentation, including user requirements, functional specifications, and design specifications.

Mechanical Design & Automation Systems

• Develop automation and machine-design requirements, including 3D CAD models, wiring, programming, safety features, and equipment sourcing.
• Design and integrate electromechanical systems for automated assembly processes.
• Utilize 3D CAD tools to develop and refine machine and tooling designs.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot equipment, controls, and automation system issues.
• Identify design errors, omissions, and deficiencies and proactively recommend corrective actions and improvements.

Manufacturing & Process Improvement

• Develop user-friendly tooling, monitoring systems, and automation solutions that improve:
• Workplace safety
• Product quality
• Manufacturing productivity
• Delivery performance
• Operating costs
• Support high-volume manufacturing environments through ergonomic design, yield improvement, labor reduction, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Work with engineering and manufacturing professionals to establish and improve assembly standards and promote defect-free processes.
• Develop equipment requirements and documentation to support performance verification and validation.
• Create operating, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair instructions for automated equipment.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Technical Leadership

• Collaborate with manufacturing, process engineering, maintenance, quality assurance, and other technical teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior automation engineers and technicians.
• Coordinate engineering activities with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities.
• Support projects from initial concept and design through testing, engineering runs, commissioning, and final manufacturing release.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited institution.
• 7+ years of professional engineering experience, preferably in industrial automation or manufacturing engineering.
• Experience working in a high-volume production environment.
• Demonstrated experience with:
• Electromechanical systems
• Automated assembly processes
• Industrial automation
• PLC programming
• HMI development
• 6-axis robotics programming and integration
• Automated machine controls
• Proficiency with PLC programming using Ladder Logic and Structured Text.
• Strong understanding of sensors, robotics, complex mechanical systems, and automated controls.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling, with SOLIDWORKS preferred.
• Strong project management and technical documentation skills.
• Excellent conceptual, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage and complete multiple engineering projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with collaborative robots, particularly YuMi, and/or Denso or Fanuc robots.
• Experience in the consumer eyewear industry or related consumer-product manufacturing environments.
• Lean Six Sigma and/or Statistical Process Control (SPC) training.
• Experience with machine vision systems, including:
• Cognex
• PPT
• DVT
• Fanuc Vision Systems
• Experience with ergonomic manufacturing design, yield improvement, labor optimization, and cost-reduction initiatives.