Automation Engineer (Design)

About the job

Essential Duties & Key Responsibilities

• Design custom automated machinery, fixtures, tooling, and mechanical systems at manufacturing sites to reduce direct labor content and improve productivity.
• Translate project concepts into practical, scalable automation solutions.
• Develop 3D models and detailed manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks.
• Select mechanical components such as bearings, actuators, pneumatics, linear motion, motors, gearboxes, and structural materials.
• Design machine frames, guarding, tooling, part handling, and mechanical assemblies.
• Support machine assembly, fabrication, testing, troubleshooting, and design revisions.
• Apply proper tolerances, fits, GD&T, and standard mechanical design practices.
• Lead installation, programming, testing, and commissioning of automation equipment.
• Work closely with GMs and site leadership to understand project requirements and operational challenges.
• Align on project goals, timelines, and success metrics prior to execution.
• Ensure consistent deployment of automation standards across locations.
• Travel to manufacturing facilities as required, approximately 10% or as project needs dictate.
• Work and coordinate with controls engineers and manufacturing sites to define project requirements.
• Provide hands-on support during project installation and ramp-up phases.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues on-site in real time.
• Recommend new technologies, tools, and process improvements.
• Drive standardization and replication of successful automation solutions across sites
• Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within scope.
• Support long-term sustainability of implemented solutions.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficient in SolidWorks (or other 3D CAD software) for 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed drawings.
• Strong mechanical design and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of machine design, mechanisms, materials, tolerances, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with pneumatics, linear motion, bearings, motors, gearboxes, and fabricated assemblies.
• Knowledge of industrial machine safety.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.

Required
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering field, or equivalent experience.
• 1–3 years of experience in mechanical design, machine design, automation equipment, or related field.
• Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Hands-on experience designing machinery, fixtures, tooling, or automated equipment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, sheet metal, and fabrication.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills in a production environment.
• Experience supporting automation projects from design through installation and startup.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands/arms; lift and/or lower; push and/or pull; and use hands to finger, handle, feel and/or finely manipulate objects.  The employee must frequently lift/move and/or push/pull up to 20 lbs. and occasionally lift/move and/or push/pull up to 50 lbs.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  Use of vision correction is acceptable, if necessary; however, any vision correction apparatus must meet all safety guidelines for the area of activity.