What are the responsibilities and job description for the AUTOMATION ENGINEER position at Hornady Manufacturing Company?
Immediate opening for full-time, Automation Engineer at Hornady Manufacturing. The Automation Engineer is a member of the Hornady Engineering Team who is responsible for the design, development, and implementation of automated systems used to produce industry-leading bullets and ammunition. This role bridges the gap between mechanical design and electronic execution, ensuring high-speed machines operate with the precision and reliability for which Hornady is known. The Automation Engineer reports to the Engineering Manager and works onsite at the various Hornady locations in and around Grand Island.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- "Hands-on" engineer who is comfortable transitioning from a CAD station to a factory floor or test range as needed.
- Programming: Create and modify code in Ladder Logic and/or other PLC programming language.
- System Integration: Design and deploy end-to-end automated solutions for bullet case forming, lead core insertion, and final cartridge assembly.
- Robotics & Motion Control: Program and integrate multi-axis robotic arms and high-speed pick-and-place systems to increase throughput.
- Vision Systems: Implement advanced machine vision for real-time quality inspection of dimensions and cosmetic defects.
- Hardware Specification: Select and integrate sensors, actuators, servos, and industrial networking components into custom machinery. Create and implement wiring schematics.
- Electromechanical Systems: Work alongside Mechanical Engineers and the Tool Room to troubleshoot complex electromechanical failures and optimize machine uptime.
- Compliance: Ensure all automated solutions meet or exceed OSHA and ANSI standards for machine safeguarding.
Ideal candidates for this position will possess the following skills, abilities, and education:
- Proficiency in PLC programming (Rockwell/Allen-Bradley) and HMI development. Ladder Logic programming experience (ability to modify existing code and create logic sets) preferred.
- Structured text / script programming experience
- Hands-on experience with Industrial Robotics (FANUC, Epson, or similar).
- Proficient in SolidWorks part design and technical drawings with knowledge about 3D printing/troubleshooting.
- Metrology CMM Arms measuring experience helpful.
- Ability to run a Mill and Lathe helpful.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel and Outlook)
- Bachelor of Science in Automation, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering (or a related technical field) is required.
- Both Mechanical AND Electromechanical machine design, building, and implementation experience preferred.
- 3 years of experience in an automated manufacturing environment. Experience with high-speed indexing or metal forming is preferred.
- Manufacturing Floor: Active involvement in machine commissioning and real-time troubleshooting in a high-volume production setting.
- Engineering Lab: Prototype development, bench testing of sensors/robotics, and electrical panel assembly.
- Ballistics Shooting Range: Occasional exposure to indoor/outdoor test ranges to observe the performance of automated test fixtures and data collection systems during live-fire validation.
- Ability to sit, stand, bend, climb or walk for up to 10 hours or more per day
Submit cover letter and resume. Application Deadline: March 27, 2026. Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans/Disabled.