Sr. Automation Engineer

Westlake

Salisbury (NC)

Hybrid

USD 110,000 - 160,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Westlake seeks 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 partner with engineering, operations, IT, and manufacturing teams to implement high-impact solutions.

This hands-on role requires 10+ years in manufacturing automation, strong leadership, and demonstrated ability to deliver capital projects across multiple sites.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Responsibilities

Lead automation projects from concept through installation, commissioning, and startup.

Skills

PLC/HMI programming

Ladder logic

Industrial robotics

Project leadership

Troubleshooting

Communication

Project planning

Scheduling

Budgeting

Risk assessment

Technical documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automation or Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.

We are seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to help drive automation strategy and execution across our building products manufacturing operations. In this role, you will lead automation projects from concept through commissioning, improve plant safety and performance, and partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, IT, and manufacturing teams to implement practical, high-impact solutions. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer who thrives in a hands-on manufacturing environment and wants to make a meaningful impact across multiple sites.

What You’ll Do

Lead automation projects from concept and design through installation, commissioning, and startup.
Develop solutions that improve safety, reliability, productivity, and operational 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 sound engineering decisions.
Troubleshoot complex issues and provide post-implementation support.
Provide technical guidance and training to plant teams.

What We’re Looking For

Bachelor’s degree in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
10+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
5+ years of experience in automation, capital project management, engineering design, and equipment integration.
Hands-on knowledge of PLC/HMI programming, ladder logic, and industrial robotics such as FANUC, ABB, or KUKA.
Strong project leadership, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
Experience with project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, and technical documentation.
AutoCAD experience is a plus.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to take on visible, high-impact work in a hands-on manufacturing environment. You’ll partner with cross-functional teams, help shape automation strategy across multiple sites, and play a key role in driving meaningful operational improvement.

This role includes both office and plant-floor work. Travel is expected approximately 30-40%, and candidates should be comfortable working in an industrial environment and using required PPE.

Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.

Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of essential materials and innovative products, serving diverse industries including packaging, healthcare, automotive, and construction.

Chemical Manufacturing Manufacturing

Company size 10,001+ employees

Company type Public company Founded 1986

Total funding $1.2B Post IPO Debt

Momentum

Team growth

Momentum

2% in 12 mo

6,471 employees on LinkedIn

Feb 23 May 26

Employee experience

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