Senior Automation Leader — Manufacturing & AI Solutions

Westlake; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Annual retirement contribution

Paid vacation

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Westlake Royal Building Products is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to drive automation strategy across our building products manufacturing operations. You will lead projects from concept through commissioning, improve plant safety and performance, and collaborate with engineering, operations, IT, and manufacturing teams to implement practical, high-impact solutions.

This is a hands-on manufacturing role with travel and opportunities to impact multiple sites through automation and AI

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years in automation, capital project management, engineering design, and equipment integration.
• Hands-on knowledge of PLC/HMI programming, ladder logic, and industrial robotics (FANUC, ABB, KUKA).
• Strong project leadership, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
• Experience with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, and technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and startup.
• Develop solutions to improve safety, reliability, productivity, and 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 engineering 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 through automation.

Skills

PLC/HMI programming

Industrial robotics

Project leadership

Troubleshooting

Communication

Project planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Westlake Royal Building Products is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to drive automation strategy across our building products manufacturing operations. You will lead projects from concept through commissioning, improve plant safety and performance, and collaborate with engineering, operations, IT, and manufacturing teams to implement practical, high-impact solutions.

This is a hands-on manufacturing role with travel and opportunities to impact multiple sites through automation and AI