Automation Project Engineer

General Responsibility 

 The Automation Engineer will work in Manufacturing with a focus on implementation of the Commercial Business Unit Automation Strategy. Responsibilities include designing, building, testing, and implementing automation/robotics solutions that are productive and safe to operate as well as cost effective to purchase and maintain. The position will require approximately 50% of the engineer’s time be spent in the manufacturing environment evaluating and implementing improvements. The Automation Engineer must determine the needs of each application and customize the right solution accordingly. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Lead and implement projects using innovative manufacturing concepts focused on process improvement 

• Examine and assess the business case and tradeoffs of using new innovative manufacturing concepts 

• Conceptualize, design, specify, integrate, and deploy robotic automation and equipment solutions 

• Assess manufacturing processes for the feasibility to implement collaborative robot applications 

• Design and create custom fixtures to fit the needs of specific automation solutions 

• Create, gather, and document requirements for automated solutions, including hardware and software requirements 

• Review and critique product designs for cost and manufacturability 

• Recommending physical changes to manufacturing locations to support equipment installation 

• Prepare capital expenditure requests and manage spend 

• Solicit quotations, qualify suppliers, and select equipment vendors 

• Review process equipment progress and managing delivery schedule 

• Implement automated processes to reduce labor dependency 

• Act as liaison between Design, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Equipment Vendors 

• Pilot and debug manufacturing processes for production-based environments 

• Support / Review existing robotic solutions performance, debug and resolve issues as well as identify and implement improvements. 

• Share “best practices” and successes with peers 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Electrical, Manufacturing, or Mechanical Engineering preferred. 

• 3-5 years of experience in a related field. 

• 3+ years of experience using 3D CAD design programs (SolidWorks, PTC Creo, etc.) for design and simulation (FEA analysis) 

• Technical proficiency in business software applications (MicroSoft Office, PLM/ERP systems, etc.) 

• Experience in the deployment of robotic automated solutions to manufacturing facilities 

• Project Management experience utilizing Tools / Software 

• Strong cause-effect analytical abilities to solve problems. 

• Excellent communication skills. 

• Experience Designing and creating custom fixtures to fit the needs of specific automated solutions. 

• Create, gather and document requirements for automated solutions, including identifying HW and SW dependencies 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Background and knowledge in manufacturing areas such as robotics, human robot interfaces 

• Collaborative robot experience preferred with associated peripheral equipment (vision systems, force gauges, end of arm tooling options, safety accommodations, etc.) 

• Hands on experience with mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical components. 

• Experience with design and implementation of safety systems on robotic applications 

• Relevant project experience conducting safety risk assessments 

• Proficiency with controls programming techniques (i.e. procedural, ladder logic, visual/block diagramming) 

• Strong 2D CAD skills such as floor layouts and tooling designs 

• Familiarity with Fanuc robotics software and robot programming software 

• Experience with 3D Design with software applications such as AutoCad, SolidWorks or CREO 

Climate

Must work effectively in a fast-paced team and matrixed plant environment. Must clearly communicate business goals so associates understand how they contribute to the organization's success. Priority of the plant is to meet existing manufacturing demands as the environment transitions to a LEAN / PEAK environment. An adaptive and flexible approach is a factor for success.