Automation Specialist

If you are looking for an organization committed to the principles of Excellence, Integrity, Faith, and Teamwork, then Saxonia Franke offers a challenging and rewarding employment opportunity for you.

Saxonia-Franke is a leading metal stamping and assembly supplier primarily serving the automotive, electronic and construction market. The group of companies currently employ approximately 400 people across locations in the United States, Germany, Switzerland and Slovenia.

We are seeking Project Engineer with a patient, friendly, and positive attitude for our Grand Rapids facility. The Project Engineer is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects that improve manufacturing processes, product quality, and production efficiency. This role bridges the gap between design, production, and quality teams to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with safety and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

Automation Design & Development

· Develop, program, and modify automation systems including PLCs, HMIs, robots, motion controls, and industrial networks.

· Design electrical control systems and support panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and schematics.

· Implement automation solutions that increase throughput, reduce scrap, and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).

Equipment Installation & Commissioning

· Lead installation, startup, and validation of new automated machinery and production lines.

· Ensure systems comply with relevant safety and regulatory requirements (ANSI, NFPA, OSHA, etc.).

Troubleshooting & Maintenance Support

· Provide advanced troubleshooting on PLCs, robotics, sensors, drives, and communication networks.

· Support maintenance teams in diagnosing root causes of automation failures and implementing corrective actions.

· Maintain accurate documentation: programs, change logs, backups, and wiring diagrams.

Continuous Improvement

· Identify improvement opportunities in production processes and implement automation-based solutions.

· Analyze downtime data and work with operations to improve reliability and performance.

· Optimize existing code and control logic for better cycle times and process stability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Work closely with process engineers, technicians, and operations personnel to integrate automation into production workflows.

· Collaborate with external vendors and system integrators as needed.

· Train operators and maintenance staff on automated systems.

Qualifications

Required

· Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field; or equivalent technical experience.

· Hands-on experience with PLC programming.

· Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus, etc.).

· Experience with robotics

· Ability to read and create electrical schematics.

· Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

· Experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

· Familiarity with MES, SCADA, and data acquisition systems.

· Understanding of safety PLCs, risk assessments, and machine safeguarding.

· Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma experience.

Key Competencies

· Analytical thinking & root-cause problem solving

· Attention to detail

· Strong communication and documentation skills

· Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

· Ownership mindset and proactive approach

In addition to a friendly work environment, Saxonia-Franke offers competitive wages, a comprehensive employee benefits program which includes medical, dental, and vision and retirement as well as paid holidays!

If this opportunity sounds like the challenge you are looking for, and you meet the above qualifications, we look forward to receiving your resume.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person