Senior Automation Project Engineer

La-Z-Boy; Kentucky; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance

401k with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

La-Z-Boy Incorporated is seeking an Automation Engineer to lead and support automation projects across manufacturing operations. You will manage full lifecycle activities from concept to commissioning, coordinating with safety, R&D, maintenance, and external suppliers to deliver innovative automation aligned with business goals.

The role emphasizes project execution, equipment integration, testing, and continuous improvement, with mentorship of engineers and technicians.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field with 6–8 years of automation/engineering experience.
• Experience leading automation projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development for automation and capital equipment projects.
• Coordinate FAT and SAT, ensure safety and quality compliance.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and improve machine uptime and OEE.
• Mentor engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel.

Skills

Automation engineering

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Comfort starts with our 10,000+ team members across the globe, who are transforming the power of comfort every day. Our employees have the power to change lives, in our homes, work and communities. We foster an inclusive environment while honoring a legacy built on family, where everyone can be themselves.

If you are ready to join an industry leading organization where our people are the most important asset, and innovation propels us into the future, you’re ready to take your seat at La-Z-Boy Incorporated.

WE BELIEVE IN THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF COMFORT

Job Summary:

This position will lead and support automation projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, and operational efficiency across manufacturing operations. This role is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of automation initiatives, including concept development, equipment specification, project execution, commissioning, and continuous improvement activities. This role will collaborate with safety, R&D, manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and external suppliers to deliver innovative automation solutions aligned with business objectives.

Job Description:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):

Automation Engineering

• Lead design and development for new automation and capital equipment projects.
• Integrate robotics, vision systems, sensors, servo systems, and automated material handling equipment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, electrical codes, and company engineering standards.
• Lead equipment installation, startup, validation, and acceptance activities.
• Coordinate factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT).
• Validate system performance against project objectives and operational requirements.
• Participates in cross functional meetings, seminars, vendor trips, and training sessions to effectively investigate and evaluate new technology advancements and equipment developments

Project Management & Execution

• Lead automation projects from concept through implementation.
• Develop project scopes, technical specifications, schedules, budgets, and resource plans.
• Manage project risks, milestones, and deliverables to ensure successful execution.
• Coordinate activities with internal stakeholders, contractors, integrators, and equipment suppliers.
• Provide regular project status updates and performance metrics to leadership.
• Manage automation vendors, system integrators, and contractors.
• Ensure projects meet safety, quality, performance, and financial objectives.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, control narratives, equipment standards, and operating procedures.
• Create training materials and provide technical training to maintenance and production personnel.
• Ensure engineering documentation is accurate, current, and properly archived.

Manufacturing Support

• Provide advanced troubleshooting support for new automation production equipment and controls systems.
• Analyze recurring equipment failures and implement permanent corrective actions.
• Improve machine uptime, throughput, reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to reduce labor content through automation and process improvements.
• Support modernizing manufacturing initiatives.
• Utilize data collection and analytics tools to drive performance improvements.
• Champion standardization of controls hardware, software, and engineering practices across facilities.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Serve as a subject matter expert in automation engineering and automation technologies.
• Mentor engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel.

SCOPE & IMPACT:

This position is responsible for the specification, design, execution, and tracking of new automation manufacturing equipment to support modernizing our manufacturing processes by leveraging and collaborating with cross functional teams to successfully complete and implement first-of-kind automation.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or related technical field with 6-8 years of equipment design, automation engineering, and manufacturing system experience, or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience leading automation projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Collaborative, strong problem solving skills, and results driven.
• Up to 25% travel or as required to support projects

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience within furniture, consumer goods, automotive, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• SolidWorks 3D and/or AutoCAD experience developing mechanical parts, systems, and facility drawings

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No direct reports

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Often required to sit, repetitive hand motion (such as typing), hear, listen, talk, stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb stairs, crawl reach overhead push/pull and lift up to 30 pounds. Seldom required to Climb ladders, kneel, squat, crouch, balance or lift up over 50 pounds.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Weekly Hours:

40

Benefits for Employees in the US:

• Medical, Vision, Dental and Basic Life Insurance
• available 401k retirement plan with company match of up to 6%
• Paid time off includes: 9-11 paid holidays each year
• two weeks’ prorated vacation as a new hire
• either personal time (non-exempt only) or state mandated sick time

More information can be found via: https://learn.bswift.com/la-z-boy

If this role requires travel / driving in order to perform the key responsibilities outlined above, candidates must be able to meet the qualifications noted in the company’s Driver Management Program to be considered for the role.

At La-Z-Boy Incorporated, we’re an equal opportunity employer. We understand that our employees’ diverse backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and viewpoints add value to our ability to create and deliver the best possible service, quality products, and is of utmost importance as we work together to build comfort. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

We are committed to fostering an environment in which all employees feel valued, included, and empowered to do their best work and bring great ideas to the table. If you are a qualified individual that may need a change or adjustment to the application/interviewing/hiring process as a result of your disability, you may request a reasonable accommodations by emailing our recruiting team at [e-mail] or by calling 734-242-1444.