What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automation Project Engineer position at THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY CO LLC?
Position Summary
The Automation Project Engineer leads the full execution of robotic and automation systems – from sales handoff through design, build, integration, and customer acceptance. This role is responsible for delivering complete, functional automation solutions that meet customer requirements, schedule, and budget commitments.
Building on the technical foundation of Applications Engineering and Mechanical Engineering roles, the Automation Project Engineer owns the transition from sales concept to reality – driving system design, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring successful deployment in manufacturing environments.
Projects include advanced automation solutions, from custom equipment and robotic cells, to liquid metering and dispensing systems, material handling , and integrated automation solutions involving mechanical design, controls, and manufacturing expertise.
Primary Responsibilities
Project Ownership & Execution
- Own automation projects from sales handoff through Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and customer delivery with Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
- Define and validate project scope, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and proposal assumptions
- Develop and maintain project schedules, milestones, and deliverables
- Lead project meetings including kickoff, design reviews, and customer updates
- Identify risks and drive resolution
System Design & Engineering Leadership
- Lead system-level design of automation equipment including robotics and mechanical systems
- Generate and oversee detailed CAD designs and drawing packages
- Ensure designs are manufacturable and meet performance requirements
- Guide mechanical design work including tooling and fixturing
Manufacturing & Integration Coordination
- Work with machining, fabrication, and assembly teams
- Troubleshoot issues during build and integration
- Drive Engineering Change Orders (ECO)
- Support system startup and validation
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Lead teams across mechanical, electrical, controls, and applications engineering
- Coordinate with Sales and Applications Engineering to maintain scope alignment
- Work with Controls Engineering to define architecture and I/O
- Interface with vendors and customers
- Serve as primary technical contact during execution
- Drive design reviews across disciplines
- Resolve build issues with fabrication and assembly teams
- Lead integration troubleshooting with cross-discipline teams
- Align Sales, Engineering, and Operations on scope changes
- Manage vendor coordination impacting delivery
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent hands on automation experience.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial robotics, automation integration, applications engineering and mechanical design.
- Strong experience with robotic systems and automated manufacturing cells.
- Working knowledge of PLC‑based control systems, HMIs, industrial sensing technologies, and system safety concepts.
- Experience evaluating manufacturing processes and developing robotic automation concepts.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or 3D CAD tools.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to both internal teams and customers.
- Highly organized, self‑driven, and capable of managing multiple concurrent projects at different phases of execution
- Valid driver’s license and US Passport required
- Ability to travel Internationally