What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Engineer position at Brightpath Associates LLC?
Job Title: Automation Engineer
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Duration: Full Time, Permanent (Onsite)
Notes-
Rubber, liquid silicone rubber and/or plastic manufacturing industry experience.
Candidates have to pass a drug screen and criminal background check (no felonies last 7 years).
Need locals candidates only.
Job Description
General Description: Apply engineering theory and principles to automation projects. Design, develop, install, test and train personnel on new automation projects. Good communication and computer skills are required, to ensure projects are used properly and that work instructions are generated for end users.
Key Responsibilities:
Mechanical Design:
Develop custom machine concepts and detailed mechanical designs using SolidWorks
End of arm tools, retrofit machines, custom machines, automated cells, etc.
Create assemblies, detailed drawings, and bills of materials
Design for manufacturability, reliability, and ease of maintenance
Electrical Design:
Design electrical systems including panels, wiring layouts, and component selection using SkyCAD
Read and interpret electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics
Ensure designs meet safety standards and industry best practices
Support troubleshooting and system validation during build and startup
Controls & Automation Programming
Program and troubleshoot PLCs using:
Studio 5000 / RSLogix 500 & 5000 / Mapware7000
Develop and integrate:
Industrial robot programs (Fanuc Roboguide, Arburg robots & injection presses)
HMI interfaces (Mapware 7000, Maple Systems EBPro, FactoryTalk View Studio)
Design systems using state machine logic architecture
Commission, debug, and optimize automated systems in-house
Project Execution & Coordination
Lead projects from concept through completion, including design, build, and startup
Develop execution plans leveraging available resources and technicians
Coordinate across teams to meet timelines, budgets, and customer expectations
Communicate effectively with customers and team members via:
In-person meetings, phone calls, video conferencing
Provide technical support during installation, commissioning, and post-delivery
Prerequisite Qualifications:
Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering Tech, or a related technical field (or equivalent hands-on experience)
Foundational knowledge or exposure to automation, machine design, or controls systems
Experience with PLCs, robotics, or electrical/mechanical systems preferred
Ability to read or learn to read mechanical drawings and electrical schematics
Strong willingness to learn and grow in a hands-on engineering environment
Self-motivated with a problem-solving mindset and attention to detail
Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with engineers and technicians
Minimum of 5 years with automation equipment/systems