Sr. Automation Engineer

Westlake Corporation; Salisbury (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Annual retirement contribution

Life and AD&D insurance

Paid vacation

Tuition assistance program

Fitness reimbursement program

Career growth and advancement

Job summary

Westlake Corporation in North Carolina seeks a Senior Automation Engineer to drive automation strategy across our building products manufacturing operations. You will execute projects from concept through commissioning, improving plant safety and performance while collaborating with engineering, operations, IT, and manufacturing teams to deliver practical, high‑impact solutions.

You’ll lead cross‑functional automation initiatives across multiple sites, shaping the automation roadmap, mentoring

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• 5+ years in automation, capital projects, design and equipment integration.
• Hands-on PLC/HMI programming and robotics (FANUC/ABB/KUKA).
• Strong project leadership, troubleshooting, and communication.
• Experience with project planning, scheduling and documentation.
• AutoCAD experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead automation projects from concept 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 decisions.
• Troubleshoot complex issues and provide post-implementation support.
• Provide technical guidance and training to plant teams.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify and implement process improvements through automation.

Skills

PLC/HMI programming

Ladder logic

Industrial robotics

Project leadership

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

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 execute 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.

Westlake Royal Building Products offers a broad range of exterior siding and trim solutions designed for beauty, durability, and low maintenance. Our innovative vinyl, composite, and specialty materials support residential and commercial construction across diverse styles and climates.

We promote a culture centered on innovation, collaboration, and growth.

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.
• Collaborate with production teams to identify and implement process improvements through automation.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical 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 40–50%, and candidates should be comfortable working in an industrial environment and using required PPE.

Competitive Pay & Benefits:

• Benefits effective day one.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Annual retirement contribution.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Paid vacation.
• Tuition assistance program.
• Fitness reimbursement program.
• Career growth and advancement opportunities.