Senior Automation Engineer — Robotics & Vision Onsite

Aprilaire; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Aprilaire's Advanced Engineering Team in Madison seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to lead startup, commissioning, and ramp-up of advanced automated manufacturing equipment, including robotic and vision systems. You will ensure system-wide integration of mechanical, controls, and process elements for safe, reliable, and production-ready performance.

The role supports projects from early design review through implementation, working across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, mechanical, electrical, or controls engineering or equivalent.
• 7+ years in industrial automation, equipment integration, or controls engineering.
• Hands-on experience with equipment commissioning and production startup.
• Strong understanding of automated manufacturing systems and machine integration.
• Experience with PLC programming platforms (Rockwell, Mitsubishi preferred).
• Working knowledge of mechanical systems, fixturing, and equipment functionality.

Responsibilities

• Lead startup, commissioning, and ramp-up activities for equipment.
• Perform I/O checkout, system bring-up, and sequence validation.
• Debug system-level issues across PLC controls, mechanical systems, and process conditions.
• Support integration and troubleshooting of robotic and vision systems.
• Modify PLC and HMI logic to resolve issues and support functionality.
• Assist with motion tuning and sequence optimization.
• Diagnose and resolve electrical, mechanical, and controls issues.
• Drive improvements in throughput, uptime, and quality during ramp.
• Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors.
• Support documentation updates and system turnover to Production and Maintenance.
• Strong understanding of automated manufacturing systems and machine integration.
• Experience with robotics and vision systems with interest in developing expertise.
• Ability to read electrical schematics and mechanical drawings.

Skills

System integration

Robotics & vision

Troubleshooting

PLC programming

Education

Bachelor's in engineering

Tools

Rockwell PLC

Mitsubishi PLC

Job description

Aprilaire's Advanced Engineering Team in Madison seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to lead startup, commissioning, and ramp-up of advanced automated manufacturing equipment, including robotic and vision systems. You will ensure system-wide integration of mechanical, controls, and process elements for safe, reliable, and production-ready performance.

The role supports projects from early design review through implementation, working across disciplines.