Sr Automation Engineer

GDKN Corp.; Elmwood (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

GDKN Corp. in Ohio seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to design, implement, and optimize manufacturing automation systems. You will lead projects from concept to commissioning, troubleshoot complex controls, and set standards with cross-functional teams.

A strong PLC background (Rockwell/AB, Siemens) and 5+ years in automation are required. You will mentor juniors and drive safety, cybersecurity, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent
• 5+ years of industrial automation, controls, or manufacturing engineering experience
• Strong PLC programming experience with Rockwell/Allen-Bradley or Siemens

Responsibilities

• Design, program, and support PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, robotics, vision systems, and process controls.
• Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning.
• Troubleshoot complex controls, automation, and integration issues.
• Develop and maintain automation standards, documentation, and best practices.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, maintenance, IT, and external vendors.
• Perform root cause analysis and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with safety, cybersecurity, and industry standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Support equipment upgrades, capacity expansions, and new product introductions.

Skills

PLC programming

Troubleshooting

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Rockwell/Allen-Bradley

Siemens

HMI/SCADA

Industrial networks

Job description

The staffing solutions division of GDKN is a leading provider of end-to-end solutions in the temporary staffing space. With companies across the globe laying critical emphasis on their human resources management, demand for temporary staffing is rapidly growing because it improves focus on core/critical activities and can be adapted to the seasonal nature of business, addresses business uncertainties and the demand for rapid growth. In short, temporary staffing creates a very nimble human capital platform which allows organizations to maximize their productivity and flexibility at all times.

GDKN is one of the very few minority business enterprises in North America that has the status of Preferred vendor with world’s largest corporations in various industries including:

• Electric
• Gas
• Telephone Utilities
• Manufacturing
• Defense
• Information Technology

Having worked with a multitude of the world’s largest clients, GDKN has gained significant expertise in providing staffing solutions which are specifically targeted to meet our client’s unique needs with a highly innovative tactical and strategic approach and extensive capabilities for scalability and flexibility.

Our staffing solutions focus on every detailed aspect of a business and ensure that you have the perfect talent for your critical business needs. We keep adapting and expanding to ensure that we always surpass our client’s expectations.

Our staffing solutions division has access to an unparalleled pool of candidates from which our dedicated team rigorously screen and evaluate to ensure ideal human resources are identified for our client’s unique needs. Our dedicated team is the group of certified experts many of which have years of experience in their related field of expertise.

We do not just focus on finding the perfect talent for our clients; we allow them to focus on growing their business and achieving their goals by ensuring that we adhere to the strictest labor compliance standards.

Our activities are compliant with the laws prevailing in the countries and municipalities we do business in and our team of labor law experts ensures that your organization is compliant with all current applicable labor regulations. Labor Law Compliance Management is an important component of our business which we continue to keep as a top priority.

With over 20 years in the staffing industry, highly customizable staffing solutions, unparalleled sourcing methodology and global capabilities, we are uniquely equipped to identify the right talent for your organization. GDKN will provide your organization with the flexibility to staff up or down, depending on your business needs.

Please look for strong experience in design/build/integration of automation equipment using Allen Bradley, Fanuc, Studio 5000 & Solidworks electrical and mechanical modeling/drawing creation.

Job Description

Senior Automation Engineer

Overview

The Senior Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, supporting, and continuously improving automation systems that drive manufacturing efficiency and operational excellence.

This position leads automation projects, troubleshoots complex controls issues, collaborates with cross-functional teams, and serves as a technical expert for automation technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, program, and support PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, robotics, vision systems, and process controls.
• Lead automation projects from concept through commissioning.
• Troubleshoot complex controls, automation, and integration issues.
• Develop and maintain automation standards, documentation, and best practices.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, maintenance, IT, and external vendors.
• Perform root cause analysis and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with safety, cybersecurity, and industry standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership.
• Support equipment upgrades, capacity expansions, and new product introductions.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of industrial automation, controls engineering, or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Strong PLC programming experience (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent).
• Experience with HMI/SCADA systems and industrial communication networks.
• Proven automation system design and implementation experience.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for electrical and control systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects independently.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with robotics, machine vision, and motion control.
• Knowledge of NFPA, IEC, OSHA, and safety-rated controls.
• Project leadership experience.
• How many years of PLC programming experience do you have, and which platforms have you used (Rockwell, Allen-Bradley, Siemens, etc.)?
• Have you led automation projects from design through commissioning?
• What experience do you have with HMI/SCADA systems?
• Have you worked with robotics, machine vision, or motion control systems?
• Describe a complex automation issue you resolved and its impact.
• Do you have experience in a manufacturing environment?
• Have you supported MES integrations or Industry 4.0 initiatives?
• Are you comfortable working independently and leading projects?

Additional Information

Ideal Candidate

An experienced automation engineer with strong PLC programming skills, manufacturing experience, project leadership capability, and a proven track record of implementing and troubleshooting industrial automation systems.