Senior Automation Projects Engineer

VulcanForms Inc.; Ayer (MA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity package

401(k) with company match

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Generous PTO

Job summary

VulcanForms Inc. seeks a Senior Automation Projects Engineer to lead mid-to-large scale automation initiatives, aiming for lights-out capabilities across production facilities.

You will bridge strategic capacity needs with on-floor deployment, managing timelines, vendors, and cross-functional deliverables. The role requires 5+ years in automation, a relevant engineering degree, and strong robotics/PLC expertise, with a track record of production-ready deployments and excellent stakeholder

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience leading automation projects, systems integration, or industrial engineering initiatives in a production environment.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Robotics Engineering.
• Proven track record of taking automation systems from vendor design reviews through to 24/7 production release.
• Strong technical background in industrial robotics, PLC architectures, and safety systems integration.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for managing external system vendors and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Manage end-to-end deployment cycles for complex automation projects, ensuring milestones are delivered on time, within budget, and to safety specifications.
• Vendor & Partner Management: Scope, evaluate, and manage external automation integrators and equipment manufacturers, holding them accountable to SOW deliverables.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Collaborate with stakeholders to translate engineering data into clear automation projects and goals for factory operations teams.
• Standardization & Quality: Support automation standards to ensure interoperability between machinery, robotics networks, and MES/PLM/ERP to optimize OEE.

Skills

Project leadership

Automation experience

Robotics

PLC architectures

Safety systems

Vendor management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Robotics Engineering

Job description

About Us

Founded in 2015 to develop the world’s first industrially scalable laser metal additive manufacturing solution, VulcanForms is reshaping how the world manufactures critical products. We build and operate advanced digital infrastructure that enables innovation, accelerates growth, and supports sustainability across aerospace, defense, medical, and other essential industries. Through our vertically integrated capabilities, including scalable additive manufacturing and precision machining, we deliver true end-to-end production at scale by combining cutting-edge technology with a foundation of proven industrial craftsmanship. Our team brings deep expertise in manufacturing, materials science, software, automation, and operations, united by a shared commitment to quality, curiosity, and accountability. We foster an inclusive culture where people take ownership, solve meaningful problems, and continuously learn, because we believe diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes.

Job Purpose

As a Senior Automation Projects Engineer, you will independently lead mid-to-large scale automation initiatives aimed at introducing "lights-out" capabilities to VulcanForms' production facilities. You will bridge the gap between strategic capacity needs and real world factory-floor deployment, managing complex project timelines, vendor relationships, and cross-functional engineering deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Project Leadership: Manage end-to-end deployment cycles for complex automation projects, ensuring milestones are delivered on time, within budget, and to safety specifications.
• Vendor & Partner Management: Scope, evaluate, and manage external automation integrators and equipment manufacturers, holding them accountable to strict Statement of Work (SOW) deliverables. Where necessary utilize internal resources to support technology development to ensure program success.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Work closely within the company with all stakeholders to translate complex engineering and project data into clear automation projects and goals. Ultimately deliver those projects to the factory operations teams.
• Standardization & Quality: Support the implementation of automation standards and frameworks across the company. Ensure complete interoperability and data continuity between custom physical machinery, industrial robotics networks, and enterprise "digital threads" (MES, PLM, ERP) to optimize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience leading automation projects, systems integration, or industrial engineering initiatives in a production environment.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Robotics Engineering.
• Proven track record of successfully taking automation systems from vendor design reviews through to 24/7 production release.
• Strong technical background in industrial robotics, PLC architectures, and safety systems integration.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills for managing external system vendors and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing capital expenditure (CapEx) budgets for automation lines exceeding $250k.
• Practical understanding of manufacturability and maintainability (DfM/DfR) in a precision manufacturing environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• VulcanForms offers a competitive salary and equity package. Actual compensation is based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience.
• In addition, VulcanForms provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; generous paid time off; and a 401(k) plan with company match.

The annual base salary range for this position is $115,000 to $158,000.