What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Engineer position at OPW Global?
The Automation Engineer will be responsible for the design, programming, integration, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of automated assembly and testing equipment, including PLC-controlled machinery, robotic work cells, and associated controls hardware. This role will work cross-functionally with manufacturing engineering, maintenance, quality, and production teams to bring automated systems from concept through commissioning (both in-house and vendor) and provide ongoing production support. We are looking for individuals who have knowledge or experience in assembly/testing and automation processes, a keen eye for safety and quality, the ability to solve problems and troubleshoot, and the desire to develop and expand their skills in a production-driven environment. The Automation Engineer will report to the PES Value Stream Manager.
What You'll Do
Controls Design and Programming
- Design, develop, and debug PLC programs (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or similar) for assembly automation equipment
- Program and integrate industrial robots (FANUC, Universal Robots, etc.) for pick-and-place, path planning, material handling, loading/unloading, dispensing, welding, or assembly applications
- Develop HMI screens and operator interfaces for machine control and diagnostics
- Design and implement vision system integration (Keyence or similar) for part inspection, guidance, and quality verification
- Configure and troubleshoot servo motion control systems, VFDs, and motor drives
- Collaborate with mechanical and electrical design engineers during the concept and design phases to ensure controls feasibility
Equipment Specification & Vendor Management
- Develop detailed technical specifications (URS/equipment specs) for new automation equipment, including PLC, robotics, and vision system requirements
- Research and evaluate automation equipment vendors, integrators, and component suppliers based on technical fit, cost, lead time, and reliability
- Solicit and review vendor quotes and proposals; lead technical evaluation and vendor selection process
- Manage vendor-built automation projects from kickoff through FAT/SAT and installation, including schedule tracking, budget oversight, and change order management
- Review vendor-supplied design packages, electrical schematics, and controls documentation for compliance with internal standards and specifications
- Act as primary technical point of contact and lead design reviews, progress meetings, and FAT/SAT activities with external vendors and integrators
- Ensure vendor equipment meets safety, quality, and performance requirements prior to acceptance and handoff to production
Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement
- Provide technical support for installed equipment, including root cause analysis and corrective action for downtime events
- Identify and implement improvements to improve machine uptime, cycle time, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
- Support preventive maintenance programs and develop troubleshooting documentation for maintenance and production staff
- Analyze production data and machine performance to identify optimization opportunities
- Integrate mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and controls subsystems into functioning automated work cells
Documentation & Compliance
- Create and maintain electrical schematics, I/O lists, controls architecture diagrams, and program documentation that complies with all applicable safety standards
- Participate in risk assessments and safety validation for automated equipment
- Maintain version control and backups of PLC, HMI, and robot programs
What You'll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechatronics, Controls Engineering, or a related field
- 3 years of experience programming and troubleshooting PLCs in an industrial/manufacturing environment
- Hands-on experience programming industrial robots and integrating them into automated systems
- Working knowledge of electrical schematics, ladder logic, structured text, and function block programming
- Understanding of pneumatics, sensors (photo eyes, proximity, encoders), servo/motion control, and machine safety circuits
- Experience with HMI development platforms
- Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to diagnose mechanical, electrical, and software issues under time pressure
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, and P&IDs
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
The Ideal Candidate Will Also Bring
- Experience with FANUC and Universal Robots programming/certification
- Familiarity with machine vision systems (Keyence or similar)
- Experience with industrial networking protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, DeviceNet, Modbus TCP)
- Experience with Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, or similar 3D CAD software for reviewing mechanical designs
- Prior experience in high-volume assembly and testing automation, packaging automation, or similar
- Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or continuous improvement training