Sr. Automation Engineer

Westlake Chemical; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical in Salisbury, North Carolina is seeking a Senior Automation Engineer to drive automation strategy and execute projects across manufacturing operations. You'll lead projects from concept through commissioning, partnering with engineering and IT to implement impactful solutions.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Automation or Electrical Engineering, with 10+ years in manufacturing and hands-on automation experience. This role includes both office and plant-floor work, with expected travel of 30-40%.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of experience in automation, capital project management, and equipment integration.
• Hands-on knowledge of PLC/HMI programming and industrial robotics.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept and design through installation and commissioning.
• Develop solutions that improve safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Perform feasibility studies and provide technical guidance to plant teams.

Skills

Automation Engineering

Project Management

PLC/HMI Programming

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automation Engineering

Electrical Engineering or a related discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

FANUC

ABB

KUKA

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.

Work Environment & Travel

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.

If you enjoy solving complex manufacturing challenges and leading impactful automation projects, we encourage you to apply.

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